We're defending our own land, not rare earth metals, Ukrainian military says

He shared this view on Espreso TV.

“We’re not here for the minerals — we’re here to defend our land. As long as we hold the front, no matter where we’re from, the enemy won’t reach our homes. Their assaults aren’t just about securing rare earth metals. There are political and ideological motives, too. Taking Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, and Lyman would be a major win for them, completing their occupation of Donetsk region,” Barna explained.

He stressed that Ukraine’s Defense Forces are fighting to ensure the country’s resources remain in Ukrainian hands.

“We know we must do everything possible to stop them. There’s plenty of talk about minerals — some say this war started because of them. Sloviansk has vast shale gas reserves, and the Donetsk Basin is one of Ukraine’s largest gas fields. Over time, this could become a battle for energy resources. Our job is to make sure Ukrainians, not the enemy, benefit from them,” he added.

Exchange of Ukraine's rare earth metals for U.S. aid

Earlier, Donald Trump stated that he wants to negotiate with Ukraine about exchanging rare earth elements for U.S. aid. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the American leader's proposal.

Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak suggested that the U.S. president made the statement for the American audience.

Lieutenant Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade, Maxim Zhorin, also shared his opinion. The military officer is convinced that it is important not to let "all the resources be extracted to zero."

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

On February 12, Zelenskyy held a meeting in Kyiv with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: Ukraine received the first draft of a partnership agreement from the United States.

The United States may close the sky above the Western peacekeeping forces in Ukraine in exchange for rare earth minerals, reports The Times, citing British government officials.

The Trump administration proposed that Ukraine give the U.S. 50% ownership of rare earth minerals and allow American troops to be stationed in the country for their protection in exchange for an agreement with Russia to end the war.

On February 16, it became known that the U.S. insists on controlling a broader range of Ukraine's resources, including rare metals and strategic materials. These include lithium, graphite, and uranium, which are sometimes confused with rare earth minerals.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubiostated that he would like to see "some level of gratitude" from Ukraine for the U.S.'s care. He accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of inconsistency regarding the mineral agreement.

On February 21, Bloomberg reported that the U.S. and Ukraine aim to finalize the minerals agreement by the end of the week.