"Pokrovsk has much of what U.S. talks about" – ex-MP Yurynets on Trump's statements

She made these remarks during a broadcast on Espreso TV.

“For 30 years, Russian oligarchs have repeatedly tried to seize assets in Ukraine. Only recently have sanctions been imposed on some of them, stripping them of their Ukrainian holdings. There is no need to fear what the U.S. president says—he is shifting from a liberal economy to a protectionist one. While this has mixed implications, security remains our priority. If a favorable deal benefits U.S. interests, it does not necessarily harm Ukraine,” Yurynets explained.

She also noted that Ukraine’s updated subsoil law came into effect in 2024, and the issue of rare earth metals, raised by Donald Trump, still requires further study.

“As early as 2012-2013, we discussed opportunities for American companies to extract shale gas and other critical resources. Today, in Pokrovsk, where our troops are defending the land, there are significant resources that align with what the U.S. is interested in. This could lead to strong negotiation positions. We need to build bridges while prioritizing our own interests, ensuring that Ukraine’s victory is also in America’s interest,” she emphasized.

U.S.-Ukraine rare earth elements deal: what’s known

U.S. President Donald Trump recently proposed exchanging rare earth elements for military aid to Ukraine, a statement condemned by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak believes Trump’s remarks were aimed at a domestic U.S. audience. 

 Ukrainian military officer Maksym Zhorin stressed the importance of preventing Ukraine’s resources from being fully exploited without benefit.

On February 4, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reassured that Ukraine remains open to American investment.