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U.S. eyes half of Ukraine’s rare earths in deal: report

15.02.2025 13:00
The Trump administration is seeking to own 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth elements as part of a partnership deal offered to Kyiv, NBC has reported.
Ukraines President Zelensky meets US Vice President Vance at Munich conference, Germany, 14 February 2025.
Ukraine's President Zelensky meets US Vice President Vance at Munich conference, Germany, 14 February 2025. Photo: UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE -- HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES PAP/EPA.

The proposal was presented to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in a draft contract on Wednesday, NBC said, citing several unnamed US officials.

The United States will be granted ownership of Ukrainian valuable minerals in exchange for its military support including the protection of the rare earths ensured by U.S. soldiers deployed in Ukraine for this purpose, according to NBC.

Zelensky said he needed to study and consult others on the document before he is ready to sign it.

President Donald Trump has signalled that he expects Kyiv to grant access to its natural resources, including critical minerals, as well as a pledge to purchase US energy exports, in return for the billions of dollars in weapons and support the U.S. has provided to Kyiv since the Russian full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

On Friday, Zelensky warned that Ukraine will likely lose its war with Russia without U.S. military support.

The Ukrainian president is in Germany this weekend to meet with other global leaders at the Munich Security Conference.

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Source: PAP, NBC