Ukraine Seeks Strategic Deal with the U.S.: Zelenskyy Proposes Rare Earth Mineral Partnership to Trump

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, is making a bold diplomatic move by offering U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for financial and military support. With Ukraine’s security situation becoming increasingly precarious, this proposal aims to align economic and strategic interests between Kyiv and Washington.

During an interview with Reuters on February 7, 2025, Zelenskyy revealed once-classified maps highlighting Ukraine’s vast reserves of essential minerals, including titanium and uranium. These materials are critical for industries such as aerospace, electronics, and nuclear energy. Directing his message to President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy suggested a mutually beneficial agreement, appealing to Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy.

Ukraine faces significant challenges, especially with nearly 20 percent of its mineral-rich territory under Russian control. Zelenskyy warned that these resources could be used by Moscow to support its allies, including North Korea and Iran. In this context, Ukraine sees a mineral-based partnership with the U.S. as a way to both sustain its economy and reinforce its defense capabilities.

Beyond economic cooperation, Zelenskyy is also seeking security commitments. Russian forces continue to put immense pressure on Ukraine’s military, with relentless attacks in the east. In response, Ukraine launched a counteroffensive on February 6, advancing 2.5 kilometers into Russia’s Kursk region. Yet, manpower shortages remain a critical issue. To address this, the Ukrainian government is introducing new recruitment contracts, encouraging voluntary enlistment among men aged 18 to 24. While Zelenskyy did not specify the number of troops needed, the urgency of the situation is clear.

In addition to rare earth minerals, Ukraine is proposing another economic initiative—utilizing its underground gas storage for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). This plan could facilitate broader U.S. energy exports to Europe, a priority for the Trump administration. According to Zelenskyy, American officials have expressed interest, seeing it as an opportunity to strengthen transatlantic energy ties while reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian gas.

Timing is key. Zelenskyy is scheduled to attend the Munich Security Conference from February 14–16, where securing a meeting with Trump is a top priority. This is especially urgent as Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon after. Ukraine is wary of being sidelined in U.S.-Russia negotiations and is pushing to ensure its concerns are factored into any discussions with Moscow.

This diplomatic maneuver underscores Ukraine’s evolving strategy—leveraging its natural resources to appeal to Trump’s business-focused approach while seeking solid security assurances. Whether this proposal will successfully secure expanded U.S. support remains uncertain, but Zelenskyy is clearly determined to leave no avenue unexplored in his efforts to safeguard Ukraine’s future.