US-Ukraine Agreement on Rare Minerals Collapses Amid Tensions Between Presidents

A key agreement between the United States and Ukraine on accessing rare minerals in Ukraine has failed to materialize due to tensions between the two countries’ leaders. According to foreign media reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had met with US President Donald Trump to finalize a deal that would grant the US access to Ukraine’s rare mineral resources. However, after a bitter exchange between the two leaders, Zelensky left the meeting, and the White House later announced that the agreement could not be signed.

Before the heated exchange with Trump, Zelensky had expressed hope that the initial agreement would pave the way for further deals between the two nations. On the other hand, President Trump stated that the potential agreement would help American taxpayers recover some of the funds spent on aid to Ukraine during the war.

Trump also clarified that the responsibility for Ukraine’s security lies with Europe, not the United States.

Foreign media reports reveal that Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal had stated on Wednesday that Ukraine and the US had finalized one version of the agreement. According to the preliminary deal, an investment fund would be established for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Both Kyiv and Washington would manage the fund under equal terms.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ukraine would contribute 50% of the revenue from its state-owned mineral resources, oil, and gas to the fund, which would then invest in ensuring Ukraine’s security, stability, and prosperity.

It is also notable that Trump has claimed that the US has provided up to $350 billion in aid to Ukraine, although the German think tank Kiel Institute estimates that the actual amount is around $119 billion.

President Zelensky has reiterated that Ukraine will not agree to a ceasefire unless it receives guarantees regarding security.