Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday to finalize a highly anticipated agreement on Ukraine’s mineral resources. The deal, which grants the United States access to Ukraine’s vast reserves of critical and rare-earth minerals, is considered a major step in strengthening economic ties between both nations. However, unresolved issues, including security guarantees for Ukraine, continue to cast uncertainty over the agreement.
President Trump confirmed Zelenskyy’s visit during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, calling the deal “a very big one” with the potential to be worth a trillion dollars. While U.S. and Ukrainian officials have been working on the framework for months, the final terms are still being negotiated. Sources say Kyiv hopes that signing the agreement will secure continued American support for Ukraine, particularly in the form of military aid, as the country continues its fight against Russian aggression.
Key Aspects of the U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal
The proposed deal focuses on granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth while ensuring that both nations share the economic benefits. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the deal’s significance, stating that securing critical minerals and rare-earth elements is “absolutely pivotal” for American industries, including defense and technology.
Initial U.S. proposals reportedly included a controversial demand for Ukraine to provide $500 billion in profits as compensation for wartime assistance. However, this clause was removed after strong pushback from Zelenskyy, who argued that Ukraine should not be financially burdened for generations. Instead, a co-owned investment fund will be established, with Ukraine contributing 50% of future proceeds from state-owned resources, including minerals, oil, and gas.
Despite progress on the economic aspects, the deal does not include explicit security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelenskyy has insisted that long-term American security assurances must be part of any major agreement, but Trump has so far resisted, saying that Europe should take the lead in providing military support.
Security Concerns and NATO Membership Debate
A major sticking point in the negotiations is Ukraine’s desire for security guarantees from the United States. While Trump has suggested that the presence of American workers in Ukraine as part of the minerals project would offer “automatic security,” Zelenskyy remains unconvinced. The Ukrainian president has argued that without a clear commitment from the U.S., the deal could leave Ukraine vulnerable to further Russian aggression.
Trump has also reiterated his opposition to Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, stating that Kyiv should “forget about” joining the alliance. He echoed Russian claims that NATO expansion was a key factor in the war and suggested that a ceasefire with Russia could be near. In contrast, Zelenskyy has made it clear that without security guarantees or a NATO pathway, “nothing will work” in achieving a lasting peace.
Tensions Between Trump and Zelenskyy
The mineral resources deal has exposed growing tensions between the two leaders. Zelenskyy reportedly rejected a proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a recent visit to Kyiv because it lacked security assurances. He later objected again during a meeting in Munich with Vice President JD Vance, further straining relations.
Trump responded by attacking Zelenskyy, calling him “a dictator without elections” and falsely claiming that his approval ratings were at an all-time low. However, after a three-day visit to Ukraine by retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy, both sides made progress toward finalizing the deal. Analysts believe Trump’s rhetoric is aimed at reshaping the U.S.-Ukraine relationship and signaling a shift in American priorities.
Challenges in Extracting Ukraine’s Mineral Wealth
While Ukraine is estimated to hold about 5% of the world’s critical raw materials, significant challenges remain in accessing and exploiting these resources. Approximately 40% of Ukraine’s mineral reserves are in regions currently under Russian occupation, raising questions about feasibility and control over extraction operations.
Additionally, Ukraine faces a major landmine crisis, with nearly a quarter of its landmass contaminated by unexploded ordnance. Experts warn that any large-scale mining operations will require extensive demining efforts, further delaying the potential economic benefits of the deal.
Despite these challenges, both Trump and Zelenskyy view the agreement as a strategic move. For Ukraine, it offers an opportunity to strengthen economic ties with the U.S. and potentially secure continued military aid. For Trump, the deal represents a way to justify American investments in Ukraine while pushing European allies to take on more responsibility in the conflict.
As Friday’s meeting approaches, the world will be watching to see if the two leaders can bridge their differences and finalize a deal that balances economic interests with Ukraine’s pressing security concerns.
