US, Ukraine Near Deal on Rare Earth Minerals Without Security Guarantees/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukraine and the U.S. are finalizing an economic deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals without including security guarantees, officials said. The agreement may be signed Friday during a possible meeting between Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump in Washington. While the deal aims to secure economic cooperation, Ukraine hopes it will encourage continued U.S. military support amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
US-Ukraine Economic Deal Quick Looks
- Ukraine, US agree on framework for mineral rights deal—signing possible Friday
- Deal grants U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals without security assurances
- Kyiv to contribute 50% of future proceeds from state-owned resources under joint fund
- Zelenskyy may meet Trump in Washington to finalize the agreement
- $500 billion profit proposal dropped from initial U.S. draft; terms now “more favorable” for Ukraine
- Security guarantees remain off the table but could be discussed at presidential meeting
- Ukraine eyes economic cooperation to sustain U.S. military support amid Russia war
US, Ukraine Near Deal on Rare Earth Minerals Without Security Guarantees
Deep Look
KYIV, Ukraine — The United States and Ukraine are on the brink of signing a significant economic agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, three senior Ukrainian officials confirmed Tuesday.
The deal—potentially worth over $1 trillion—may be signed Friday during a possible meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.
While the agreement marks a breakthrough in economic cooperation, it notably lacks the security guarantees Kyiv has been seeking amid its ongoing war with Russia.
“This (economic) agreement may be part of future security guarantees, but I want to understand the broader vision. What awaits Ukraine?” Zelensky said.
“This agreement may either be a great success or quietly fade away,” he said. “And I believe success depends on our conversation with President Trump.”
“I want to coordinate with the U.S.,” Zelenskyy said.
What’s in the Deal?
Joint Ownership Fund: Ukraine and the U.S. will co-own a fund managing proceeds from:
- Rare earth minerals
- Oil and gas reserves
- Other state-owned resources
Revenue Sharing:
- Ukraine to contribute 50% of future profits from resource extraction
- $500 billion profit demand dropped from the U.S. draft after negotiations
Investment Incentives: Ukrainian officials say the revised terms are “positive” and investment-friendly.
What’s Missing?
No Security Guarantees Included:
- Kyiv had pushed for defense assurances but was unsuccessful.
- Zelenskyy hopes to discuss military aid directly with Trump at the signing.
“We still aim to secure long-term support for our defense,” one Ukrainian official stated.
Why This Matters
Ukraine’s Perspective:
- Hopes economic cooperation will sustain U.S. military support
- Rare earth access strengthens Kyiv’s bargaining position in future talks with Moscow
U.S. Perspective:
“It could be whatever, but it’s rare earths and other things,” Trump said.
The Road to Agreement
- Initial Proposal (Last Fall): Zelenskyy floated the idea to bolster Ukraine’s leverage against Russia.
- Earlier Setbacks:
- Zelenskyy rejected U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s draft for lacking defense clauses.
- Vice President JD Vance’s push in Munich also fell flat over security issues.
- Diplomatic Turnaround:
- Progress came during a three-day visit by retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy.
“The adjustments made are more favorable to Ukraine,” an official noted.
Political Undercurrents
Tensions flared last week after Trump labeled Zelenskyy “a dictator without elections”, citing low approval ratings. Despite the rhetoric, both sides prioritized economic progress amid the urgency of sustaining aid.
“This deal isn’t perfect, but it’s critical for Ukraine’s economy,” a Kyiv insider said.
Next Steps
Potential Signing:
- Friday in Washington if Zelenskyy travels as planned
- Opportunity for leaders to discuss military cooperation separately
Phase 2 Talks:
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