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Saturday, Feb 08, 2025
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Zelensky Suggests Mineral Collaboration with Trump for Security Assistance
Ukrainian President Zelensky proposes a partnership with the United States to collaboratively develop essential mineral resources, tying economic collaboration to security assurances.
In an interview with Reuters on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested forming a mineral partnership with President Donald Trump as part of a larger strategy to obtain both financial and security aid for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Zelensky, who examined a previously classified map highlighting Ukraine’s extensive deposits of rare earths and other vital minerals, pointed out that under twenty percent of these resources—including about half of the rare earth deposits—remain under Russian control.
He emphasized that the proposed partnership would be beneficial for both parties, saying, "If we are discussing a deal, let’s make a deal; we are all for it," and highlighted Ukraine's need for security assurances from its allies.
This proposal follows earlier remarks by President Trump, who expressed interest in having Ukraine supply the U.S. with rare earths and other minerals in exchange for financial assistance for its war efforts.
Zelensky also recalled that Ukraine had previously proposed allowing allied investment in its critical minerals last autumn as part of a "victory plan" intended to enhance its negotiation leverage with Moscow.
Additionally, he noted that discussions are ongoing between Kyiv and the White House regarding the potential use of Ukraine's vast underground gas storage facilities for U.S. liquefied natural gas, which could position Ukraine as a key energy hub for Europe.
On the military front, Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces had initiated a new offensive, making advancements of approximately one and a half miles into Russia's Kursk region, while Russian officials claimed that the assault was thwarted.
He also mentioned that thousands of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia have resumed active combat following a hiatus.
To address a shortage of soldiers, Ukraine plans to begin recruitment contracts targeting young men aged eighteen to twenty-four.
Zelensky stressed the necessity of meeting President Trump in person before any dialogues occur between the United States and Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting that such a meeting is crucial to ensure Ukraine's interests are adequately represented.
The proposal and its associated discussions emerge as Ukraine aims to strengthen its position ahead of forthcoming international forums, including the Munich Security Conference scheduled for February 14 to 16.
Zelensky, who examined a previously classified map highlighting Ukraine’s extensive deposits of rare earths and other vital minerals, pointed out that under twenty percent of these resources—including about half of the rare earth deposits—remain under Russian control.
He emphasized that the proposed partnership would be beneficial for both parties, saying, "If we are discussing a deal, let’s make a deal; we are all for it," and highlighted Ukraine's need for security assurances from its allies.
This proposal follows earlier remarks by President Trump, who expressed interest in having Ukraine supply the U.S. with rare earths and other minerals in exchange for financial assistance for its war efforts.
Zelensky also recalled that Ukraine had previously proposed allowing allied investment in its critical minerals last autumn as part of a "victory plan" intended to enhance its negotiation leverage with Moscow.
Additionally, he noted that discussions are ongoing between Kyiv and the White House regarding the potential use of Ukraine's vast underground gas storage facilities for U.S. liquefied natural gas, which could position Ukraine as a key energy hub for Europe.
On the military front, Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces had initiated a new offensive, making advancements of approximately one and a half miles into Russia's Kursk region, while Russian officials claimed that the assault was thwarted.
He also mentioned that thousands of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia have resumed active combat following a hiatus.
To address a shortage of soldiers, Ukraine plans to begin recruitment contracts targeting young men aged eighteen to twenty-four.
Zelensky stressed the necessity of meeting President Trump in person before any dialogues occur between the United States and Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting that such a meeting is crucial to ensure Ukraine's interests are adequately represented.
The proposal and its associated discussions emerge as Ukraine aims to strengthen its position ahead of forthcoming international forums, including the Munich Security Conference scheduled for February 14 to 16.
