US President Donald Trump has reached an agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on a framework for an expansive minerals deal, potentially easing tensions between the two countries. The plan, which originated last year, aims to use Ukraine’s untapped mineral wealth to help fund its war effort.
Initially, the proposal was met with skepticism by Ukrainian officials, who felt it demanded unchecked access to their country’s resources without offering substantial guarantees. However, after days of negotiations and intense pressure from Trump, the Ukrainian government appears ready to agree to a deal.
The agreement grants Washington access to Ukrainian mineral wealth on “much better terms” than an earlier proposal that Zelensky was not swift to accept. It does not include any mention of $500 billion in equivalent rare earth minerals, which Trump had initially requested to repay US war aid to Ukraine.
Zelensky had previously rejected the initial request, citing a need for clear security guarantees before entering into any agreement. The framework for the deal offers more favorable terms and aims to provide a more stable solution for both parties involved.
The development comes as the conflict in Ukraine continues, with Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion still ongoing. Trump has been calling for a rapid end to the war, which has sparked criticism from some quarters over the US government’s approach to addressing the crisis.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/02/25/ukraine-minerals-deal-trump-zelensky