Joseph Isangura
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States and Ukraine will sign a landmark agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine’s valuable rare earth minerals.
The deal, which aims to compensate the U.S. for the military aid provided to Kyiv, is set to be finalized at the White House on Friday when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with Trump.
During his first cabinet meeting in his new term, President Trump emphasized that the agreement would bring substantial economic benefits to the U.S., describing it as a “tremendous opportunity.” He also reiterated his broader objective of bringing an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has raged for three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides and has displaced millions of Ukrainian civilians.
“My first goal is to stop the war,” Trump stated. “My second goal is to ensure that we are compensated for the substantial military support we have provided.” The U.S. has sent more than $100 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the war began, supplying advanced weaponry and defense systems crucial to Kyiv’s resistance against Russian forces.
While specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, sources familiar with the negotiations indicate that it will grant American companies exclusive rights to extract and trade Ukraine’s rare earth elements—critical materials used in high-tech industries, including defense, aerospace, and electronics. These minerals are essential for producing semiconductors, electric vehicles, and missile guidance systems, making them highly strategic assets.
The deal marks a major shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations, introducing an economic dimension to Washington’s continued involvement in the conflict. Analysts suggest that the agreement could reduce Ukraine’s dependence on direct financial aid from Western allies while securing a long-term partnership with the U.S. in critical resource development.
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However, the move is expected to generate controversy. Critics argue that it may place undue economic pressure on Ukraine at a time when the country is still fighting for its sovereignty. Some European allies have also expressed concerns that the agreement could shift Ukraine’s economic priorities and impact global supply chains for these rare materials.
With Zelensky scheduled to arrive in Washington on Friday, discussions are also expected to focus on diplomatic efforts to end the war and explore potential peace negotiations. Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to broker a resolution between Kyiv and Moscow, is likely to push for a settlement that aligns with his administration’s strategic interests.
