In his latest interview with The Guardian, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is open to negotiating various forms of cooperation with the United States regarding access to its vast reserves of critical minerals.
He emphasised that any agreement must be mutually beneficial, ensuring that Ukraine’s resources are developed responsibly while also strengthening the country’s security and economic resilience.
The discussion comes amid US President Donald Trump’s stated interest in Ukraine’s deposits of rare earth elements, titanium, and uranium. Trump recently claimed that Ukraine had “in principle” agreed to grant the United States access to mining operations worth approximately $500 billion in exchange for continued US assistance. A high-level visit by the US Treasury Secretary is expected to focus on this issue in the coming days.
Strategic Minerals as an Asset in Diplomatic Negotiations
In the interview, Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine’s mineral wealth could serve as a key element in strengthening cooperation with its allies, particularly the US.
“Today we are very flexible regarding our partners. I believe this should be mutually beneficial. What is happening now is not in our interest—Putin is occupying our territories and simply taking our valuable minerals for free.”
Zelenskyy pointed out that Russia has already seized mineral-rich areas, including offshore reserves in the Black Sea. The Ukrainian government, he explained, is committed to ensuring these assets are developed in a way that benefits the Ukrainian people rather than being exploited by an occupying force.
“We can provide opportunities for investment in these resources, particularly for American businesses. We can develop them together—extraction, development, processing. This means jobs, revenue for American companies, for Americans, Ukrainians, and Europeans. We are very open to this. But this must be discussed in detail.”
Preventing Russian and Chinese Control Over Resources
Zelenskyy also expressed concern over the possibility of Ukrainian resources falling under Russian control and being used as geopolitical leverage by Moscow.
“This needs to be protected because otherwise, it will become even more difficult and more expensive in the future. We know how they have destroyed both extraction and processing capabilities. They have destroyed, dismantled entire factories, and flooded mines,” he explained.
He warned that Russia could use these minerals to strengthen its strategic alliances with adversarial states.
“If we don’t secure these deposits, they could end up with Russia, and then where will they go? To Iran? To North Korea? Russia could trade them for military support or political favours. Even China could become a recipient. I don’t believe that is in the interests of the United States or its allies,” he said.
For Zelenskyy, keeping these assets under Ukraine’s control is not just about economic development but about maintaining Western access to critical materials essential for defence industries and technological innovation.
“It is in America’s interest that these resources remain under Ukraine’s governance, ensuring fair access for Western partners—partners who are responsible and part of the civilised world,” he added.
Trump’s Stance and US Involvement in Negotiations
Trump’s comments about a potential resource-for-aid agreement have drawn significant attention in Washington. While the precise terms remain unclear, discussions are expected to continue at a high level. The upcoming visit of the US Treasury Secretary to Kyiv will likely focus on shaping the details of how such a partnership could work.
While Ukraine has not yet confirmed specific terms, Zelenskyy reiterated that his government is ready to engage in structured negotiations.
“We have already begun showing our partners exactly what we have—without revealing classified information, of course. But the volumes are significant,” he said.
He also acknowledged that economic cooperation will play a role in Ukraine’s broader reconstruction efforts.
“Ukraine will require hundreds of billions for rebuilding, and these resources can be a major part of that. Those who help us defend Ukraine will also be part of our recovery and economic future. This is a long-term strategic partnership,” he stated.
Security Guarantees and the Role of the US
Beyond economic cooperation, Zelenskyy emphasised the critical role of the United States in Ukraine’s security architecture. He dismissed suggestions that Europe alone could provide security guarantees, stressing that American military support is essential.
“Sometimes, voices are heard saying that Europe can provide security guarantees for Ukraine without the United States… let me first make one point: without America, it is impossible. How could it be possible when it is mostly the Patriot systems that protect against any missile? Yes, only Patriots. There are other very good European systems. The Germans help, the Dutch help, the Norwegians help. But they cannot provide full protection… So, when we talk about security guarantees without America, we cannot even consider it, because, for example, part of those guarantees is air defence. That includes the F-16 fleet. And that includes the Patriot air defence systems,” he said.
Zelenskyy also reiterated that Ukraine must be part of NATO to ensure lasting stability.
“Some argue that Ukraine will have the largest army in Europe after this war. That may be true, but look at the numbers. Russia is building up its forces. By 2025, they will have 250 combat brigades. If Ukraine is not in NATO, then Europe will face an enormous threat. Ukraine is the frontline of European security,” he stated.
Conclusion
As Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression, it is seeking deeper economic and security ties with the United States. While discussions on mineral resources are still in their early stages, Zelenskyy has signalled that Kyiv is open to a structured agreement that benefits both sides.
With the US Treasury Secretary’s visit expected soon, these negotiations could shape the next phase of US-Ukraine cooperation—linking military support, economic investment, and long-term strategic interests in a way that ensures both Ukraine’s sovereignty and Western access to critical materials.
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