Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy examined a previously classified map detailing extensive reserves of rare earth elements and other essential minerals during a Reuters interview on Friday, aiming to attract Donald Trump‘s interest in a potential agreement.
The U.S. president, whose administration is advocating for a swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, expressed on Monday his desire for Ukraine to provide the U.S. with rare earths and other minerals in exchange for financial support for its military efforts.
“If we are discussing a deal, then let’s proceed with it; we are fully in favor,” Zelenskiy stated, highlighting Ukraine’s requirement for security assurances from its allies as part of any agreement.
Last autumn, Ukraine proposed the idea of opening its critical mineral resources to investment from allies, presenting a “victory plan” designed to strengthen its negotiating position and compel Moscow to engage in discussions.
Zelenskiy noted that less than 20% of Ukraine’s mineral wealth, including approximately half of its rare earth deposits, remains under Russian control. Rare earths are vital for producing high-performance magnets, electric motors, and consumer electronics; Zelenskiy warned that Moscow could potentially share these resources with its allies, North Korea and Iran, both of which are adversaries of the U.S.
“We must halt Putin and safeguard our assets—particularly the resource-rich Dnipro region in central Ukraine,” he asserted.
Russian forces have been advancing in the east for several months, committing substantial resources to a relentless offensive, while Kyiv’s significantly smaller military struggles with troop shortages and concerns over future weapon supplies from abroad. Zelenskiy displayed a map in his heavily fortified office in Kyiv, illustrating various mineral deposits, including a large area in the east identified as containing rare earths, with about half of it situated on the Russian side of the current frontlines.
He stated that Ukraine possesses the largest titanium reserves in Europe, which are crucial for the aviation and space sectors, as well as significant uranium deposits utilized for nuclear energy and weaponry. Many of these titanium reserves are located in northwestern Ukraine, away from active conflict zones.
Ukraine has swiftly adjusted its foreign policy to align with the transactional perspective introduced by the new U.S. administration, its key ally. However, Zelenskiy stressed that Kyiv is not looking to “give away” its resources but rather to establish a mutually advantageous partnership for their joint development. He remarked, “The Americans have contributed the most, and thus they should benefit the most. They should have this priority, and they will. I also wish to discuss this with President Trump.”
He noted that Russia is well aware of the locations of Ukraine’s vital resources, thanks to Soviet-era geological surveys that were transferred to Moscow following Ukraine’s independence in 1991.
Additionally, Zelenskiy mentioned that discussions were underway between Kyiv and the White House regarding the potential use of Ukraine’s extensive underground gas storage facilities for U.S. liquefied natural gas. “I understand that the Trump administration is very interested in this… We are prepared and eager to establish contracts for LNG supplies to Ukraine. Naturally, we will serve as a hub for all of Europe,” he stated.
ZELENSKIY SEEKS MEETING WITH TRUMP PRIOR TO US-RUSSIA TALKS
This interview occurs just days before the Munich Security Conference, scheduled for February 14-16, where officials from numerous Western nations will gather at a critical moment in the nearly three-year-long conflict. Zelenskiy confirmed his intention to participate in the forum, where Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, is also anticipated to be present.
The Ukrainian president emphasized the importance of meeting with Trump in person prior to the U.S. president’s discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that failing to do so would create the impression of a dialogue concerning Ukraine that excludes Ukraine itself. Trump indicated on Friday that he anticipated a conversation with Zelenskiy next week. Zelenskiy highlighted that his primary focus would be to advocate for security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any agreement, aiming to deter future Russian invasions.
Overall, he stressed the necessity for the West to establish a comprehensive strategy before engaging in negotiations with Moscow. He mentioned that there are ongoing communications between his team and both Kellogg and Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Waltz. “We have daily interactions, discussing general matters, but the specifics will be addressed later,” he noted.
Trump’s initiative for peace coincides with the advancing Russian forces posing a threat to the significant Ukrainian logistics center in Pokrovsk. On the battlefield, Zelenskiy confirmed that his forces had initiated a new offensive on Thursday, making a 2.5 km (1.5 miles) advance into Russia’s Kursk region. While Russia reported a Ukrainian attack in that area on the same day, they claimed it was successfully repelled.
Zelenskiy reported that thousands of North Korean soldiers, who had been supporting Russia, have resumed active combat against Ukrainian forces in Kursk after a break of several weeks.
In the coming week, the government plans to introduce attractive recruitment contracts aimed at young men aged 18-24, who are below the draft age, to address a shortage of personnel in the armed forces. Zelenskiy did not disclose the anticipated number of recruits.
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