Ukraine’s mineral resource data classified — analysts

He shared the information on Espreso TV.

"Information about our mineral resources is classified. Recently, Ukrainian businesses made an appeal to the authorities to declassify this information. Why does only a limited group of people have a real understanding of what is in the ground?" noted Neskhodovskyi.

According to the head of the analytical department of the NGO ANTS, even for potential investors, information about Ukraine's mineral resources remains closed.

"For example, there was the privatization of the United Mining and Chemical Company, which owns titanium ores. There were 15 applications to participate in the privatization of this object, including from Americans. But when it came to specific proposals after the competition was announced, only one company remained – an Azerbaijani one. Why did the Americans refuse? Because the quality of the documents regarding the amount of titanium ore was very low, and there was insufficient information," explained Neskhodovskyi.

The head of the analytical department of the NGO ANTS emphasized that the state manipulates who and how will participate in the privatization of assets, and due to the secrecy of information about mineral resources, it has the ability to foster corruption.

"Therefore, in this regard, I have some doubts about the reality of proposals concerning mineral resources. What is the state doing to make this sector attractive for investment? Because development requires huge capital investments," added Neskhodovskyi.

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.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later expressed willingness to sign an agreement exchanging Ukraine's natural resources for U.S. military aid. At the same time, the president emphasized that Kyiv does not seek to give up its natural resources but is offering a mutually beneficial partnership for the development of both countries.

On February 11, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine "has effectively agreed" to provide Washington with its natural resources worth $500 billion in exchange for military assistance.