Trump plans to revive rare earth mineral deal with Ukraine despite previous rejection

United States President Donald Trump has announced his intention to renew the rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine, warning that otherwise, President Volodymyr Zelensky may be "not very happy."

CNN reports this.

"Yeah, I think I'm gonna resurrect that deal, you know, we'll see what happens, but I'm gonna resurrect it, or things are gonna not make him [Zelensky – ed.] too happy. And look, it's time for elections," Trump said.

The head of the White House expressed indignation at Ukraine's reception of US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant during his recent visit to Kyiv, where the proposed rare earth deal was rejected.

"Scott Bessent actually went there and was treated rather rudely, because essentially, they told him no and Zelensky was sleeping and unavailable to meet him. He traveled many hours on the train, which is a dangerous trip, and we're talking about the secretary of the Treasury. He went there to get a document signed, and when he got there, he came back empty. They wouldn't sign the document," Trump noted.

Notably, President Zelensky did meet with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant, and there is photographic evidence of their meeting.

^{Zelensky met with US Treasury Secretary Bessent. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine}

According to Reuters, the administration of US President Donald Trump may try to conclude a simplified agreement with Ukraine on minerals to close the deal quickly. Then, the detailed terms will be discussed, such as what part of Ukraine's vast resources the US will own.

The plans changed after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected a detailed US proposal to give Washington 50 percent of Ukraine's most important minerals, including graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium, a key component in electric car batteries.

Sources indicate that reaching a comprehensive deal will require time. However, Trump aims to secure an agreement with Ukraine before considering increased US military support for Kyiv or attempting to mediate formal peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

For reference:

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that he wanted to finalize an agreement with Kyiv in which Ukraine would supply the United States with rare earth minerals needed for electronics in exchange for American aid.

In response, Zelensky stated that Ukraine was prepared to reach an agreement with the United States on supplying rare earth resources. However, he emphasized that he did not intend to "give away" these resources, instead proposing a mutually beneficial partnership.

The head of state also mentioned that Ukraine was open to American investment in extracting its rare earth minerals in exchange for US assistance. He noted that he had already discussed this with US President Donald Trump in September 2024 and included it as a key point in his Victory Plan.

On February 15, reports emerged that the Trump Administration proposed Ukraine transfer 50% ownership of its rare earth minerals to the United States. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky declined to sign the proposed agreement.

As the Ukrainian leader recently noted, the agreement on rare earth metals did not indicate any security guarantees for Ukraine.

It is noteworthy that Rubryka has discussed Ukraine's rare earth elements, lithium reserves, and other mineral resources, highlighting their significance and why they have gained attention during the war.