Ukraine lacks rare earth elements, Trump refers to other minerals — expert

He shared his thoughts during an interview on Espreso.

"Right now, the entire American economy — and the global economy as a whole — are focused on a new stage of electrification and emerging technologies. We’re on the brink of a new technological revolution. So, the U.S. government’s efforts are aimed at securing its supply chains with critical minerals, rare metals, metalloids, and rare earth elements. In my view, when President Donald Trump mentioned 'rare earth elements,' he was likely referring to critical minerals or rare metals. It’s inaccurate to limit the discussion to rare earth elements alone, because Ukraine doesn’t have those rare earth metals. Its deposits are poor, and the ore occurrences lack good potential,” Perelyhin explained.

He also listed some metals and minerals that could be of interest to the United States.

“The only deposit that could compete with the U.S. or China is located in the temporarily occupied Azov region. And, as we understand it, the chances of developing this deposit are nearly impossible. In my opinion, we’re talking about metals like titanium, manganese, and minerals such as graphite, beryllium, gallium, hafnium, zircon, etc.,” he added.

Exchange of Ukrainian rare earth elements for U.S. aid: what is known

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned his desire to reach an agreement with Ukraine to exchange rare earth elements for U.S. aid. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the proposal.

People's Deputy Yaroslav Zhelezniak suggested that Trump’s statement about the exchange of Ukrainian rare earth elements for aid was made with the American audience in mind.

Lieutenant Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Deputy Commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Maksym Zhorin also shared his opinion. The military officer emphasized that it’s crucial not to let them “just strip all the resources bare.”

On Tuesday, February 4, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reassured that Ukraine is open to American investments.