Trump plans to renew rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine

CNN reported on the statement.

When asked about the deal, Trump responded: "Yeah, I think I’m gonna resurrect that deal, you know, we’ll see what happens, but I’m gonna resurrect it or things are gonna not make him too happy. And look, it’s time for elections."

At the same time, Trump was upset that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was treated "rather rudely" during his February 12 visit to Kyiv, where Ukraine rejected the agreement.

"Scott Bessent actually went there and was treated rather rudely, because essentially, they told him no and Zelensky was sleeping and unavailable to meet him. He went there to get a document signed, and when he got there, he came back empty. They wouldn’t sign the document," Trump said.

He also pointed out that Bessent took a long train ride to Kyiv, calling it a "dangerous trip."

Rare earth minerals deal: background

In early February, Trump said he wanted to trade U.S. aid for access to Ukrainian rare earth elements.

Zelenskyy initially expressed willingness to sign the deal.

The Trump administration proposed that Ukraine hand over 50% ownership of rare earth minerals and allow U.S. troops to be stationed in the country to protect them — part of a broader deal to end the war with Russia.

On February 16, reports emerged that the U.S. was also pushing for control over a broader range of Ukrainian resources, including lithium, graphite, and uranium, often mistaken for rare earth minerals.

Later, Zelenskyy said Ukraine remained interested in the deal but needed security guarantees before signing.

On February 20, Trump accused Ukraine of disrupting the agreement.