The United States and Ukraine are reportedly negotiating an updated rare earth minerals agreement after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially rejected a proposal from President Donald Trump, according to Axios on February 20.
A source familiar with the talks stated that the latest draft of the agreement includes significant improvements and is now better aligned with Ukrainian law.
Several of Zelenskyy’s advisers have encouraged him to sign the revised proposal, hoping to avoid further diplomatic tensions with Trump and secure continued U.S. support.
U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stressed the importance of continued discussions, saying, “Zelenskyy must return to the table.”
A White House official echoed this sentiment, adding, “This is a negotiation. And in a negotiation, you negotiate. Ukraine wants to discuss minerals, so that’s what we’re doing.”
Rare earth minerals are crucial for advanced technology, military defense systems, and renewable energy — industries that both the U.S. and Ukraine are eager to develop.
Securing a deal could be mutually beneficial, but Ukraine has previously expressed concerns over the terms of the agreement and how it might impact its own economic interests.
