U.S. and Ukraine Finalize Draft Deal on Critical Minerals Amid Tensions

Washington and Kyiv have reached a draft agreement on critical minerals, a deal central to Ukraine’s push for continued U.S. support as former President Donald Trump accelerates efforts to end the war with Russia.

High-Stakes Diplomacy as Zelenskiy Plans Washington Visit

According to sources familiar with the matter, the draft deal between the U.S. and Ukraine is nearing finalization and is expected to be signed soon. Former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to visit Washington this week to sign the agreement.

This development comes amid growing tensions between the two leaders, with Trump and Zelenskiy exchanging heated remarks last week. Trump, who is advocating for a swift resolution to the conflict, suggested that some form of peacekeeping force is necessary if an agreement with Russia is reached. However, Moscow has strongly rejected any deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine.

Concerns Over Trump’s Approach to Russia and Ukraine’s Security

Trump’s push for a rapid peace deal with Russia has sparked concerns among European allies and Ukrainian officials. Critics fear that Trump’s outreach to Moscow could result in major U.S. concessions that might weaken Ukraine’s security and reshape the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.

• It remains unclear whether the draft agreement includes any specific U.S. security guarantees that Kyiv has been seeking.
• Discussions are still ongoing regarding future U.S. military aid to Ukraine, with no firm commitments yet, according to sources.

The uncertainty surrounding U.S. support has led European allies to scramble for alternative security arrangements, as Trump’s policy shift moves away from prioritizing European defense.

Mineral Wealth at the Center of the Deal

The draft agreement could open up Ukraine’s vast reserves of critical minerals to U.S. interests, a key aspect of Washington’s economic and strategic objectives.

• Ukraine possesses 22 of the 34 minerals identified by the European Union as critical, including ferroalloys, precious metals, and rare earth elements.
• The country’s graphite reserves alone account for 20% of global resources, making it a significant player in the electric vehicle (EV) battery and nuclear industries.

Previously, Kyiv had rejected a U.S. proposal seeking rights to $500 billion worth of Ukraine’s mineral resources, arguing that the aid received from Washington was far less than that amount. Security guarantees also remained a major sticking point in the negotiations.

Zelenskiy’s Strategic Visit: Seeking Support Amid Uncertainty

As part of his Washington trip, Zelenskiy may also meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, though his schedule remains uncertain. A direct meeting with Trump could provide him with an opportunity to press for continued U.S. military and financial assistance.

Meanwhile, Trump’s rhetoric on Ukraine remains unpredictable. Last week, he falsely referred to Zelenskiy as an “unpopular dictator” and claimed Kyiv needed to make peace quickly to avoid losing the war. Zelenskiy, in response, stated that Trump was living in a “disinformation bubble.”

A Critical Moment for U.S.-Ukraine Relations

The finalization of the critical minerals deal marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Ukraine relations. While it could offer economic opportunities for both nations, the lack of clarity on security guarantees and military aid remains a major concern for Kyiv.

With European allies increasingly wary of Trump’s approach and Ukraine facing ongoing Russian aggression, the outcome of Zelenskiy’s visit and the signing of the deal could shape Ukraine’s future security, economic stability, and geopolitical standing.