The agreement on Ukraine’s minerals and rare earth metals with the US was not signed following a heated disagreement between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy that was televised live. The Ukrainian President then left the White House early, and a joint press conference with Trump was subsequently canceled.
In an interview with Fox News, the Ukrainian president expressed his willingness to finalize a mineral agreement with the US, provided there are specific security guarantees. However, he stated that the outcome now depends on the American side’s decision.
According to the US National Economic Council, the US hopes to secure about $20B from the rare earth/minerals agreement, believing it will help deter Russia from attacking “American property.”
Additionally, Zelenskyy believes that relations with Trump and the US can still be “saved.” He emphasized in the interview that Ukraine strives for peace and will pursue negotiations, suggesting that Ukraine, the US, and Europe should come together at the negotiation table.