U.S. pushes for greater control over Ukrainian minerals, including rare earths – media

This was reported by The Washington Post.

According to sources cited by the outlet, Ukraine is preparing a counter-proposal to the U.S. for access to Ukrainian resources, but with stronger security guarantees from Washington.

WP reports that the U.S. demand for control over 50% of these minerals has sparked outrage among Ukrainian and European representatives.

According to three senior Ukrainian officials, two European diplomats, and two other sources familiar with the situation, this demand was made during Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's visit to Kyiv this week. Bessent is the first member of the Donald Trump administration to meet with Ukrainian leadership.

A senior Ukrainian official said the U.S. sent the proposal just four hours before Bessent's meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the talks, Bessent pushed for the agreement to be signed, but Zelenskyy refused.

One Ukrainian adviser noted that the U.S. is seeking control over a wider range of strategic resources, including rare metals and materials like lithium, graphite, and uranium, often confused with rare earth minerals.

Exchange of Ukrainian rare earths for US aid: What’s known

Earlier, US President Donald Trump expressed interest in a deal with Ukraine to exchange rare earth elements for US aid. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized this proposal.

Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he wants to negotiate with Ukraine on exchanging rare earth elements for U.S. assistance. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the American leader’s proposal.

Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak suggested that Trump's statement about exchanging Ukrainian rare earth elements for aid was intended for the American audience.

Lieutenant Colonel with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade Maksym Zhorin, also shared his opinion. The military officer is convinced that it is crucial not to allow "all resources to be completely depleted."

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. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Ukraine received the first draft of a partnership agreement from the United States.

The Trump administration proposed that Ukraine grant the U.S. 50% ownership of rare earth minerals and allow U.S. troops to be stationed in the country to protect them, in return for a peace agreement with Russia to end the war.