The United States has reportedly proposed gaining 50% ownership of Ukraine’s rare earth mineral reserves, but negotiations between the two countries have yet to reach an agreement, according to U.S. media reports.

On February 15, NBC News cited sources familiar with the matter stating that the Trump administration has asked Ukraine to grant the U.S. partial ownership of its rare earth resources. As part of the proposal, Washington has also expressed willingness to deploy troops to Ukraine to help secure these resources, provided Kyiv reaches a peace deal with Moscow.

Rare Earth Deal Tied to Military Aid Repayment

Two unnamed U.S. officials told NBC that the proposed deal would serve as a means for Ukraine to repay billions of dollars in military aid and financial support it has received from Washington since the war with Russia began in February 2022.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined the rare earth agreement during a February 12 meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. However, Zelensky refused to sign the draft deal, stating that “more analysis and consultations” were needed before he traveled to Germany for the Munich Security Conference. There, he held sideline meetings with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to Reuters, Ukraine later presented Washington with a revised draft, but the February 14 meeting between Zelensky and Vance in Munich ended without a final agreement.

"Our teams will continue working on this document," Zelensky wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after the meeting, adding that he had a “good discussion” with Vance and that Kyiv remained “ready to pursue a real and lasting peace as quickly as possible.”

Zelensky: “The Deal Does Not Protect Ukraine”

Later that day, Zelensky provided more details to reporters, explaining why he rejected the initial U.S. proposal.

“I did not allow my ministers to sign the agreement because it is not ready. The deal does not protect us or our interests,” Zelensky said, emphasizing that any agreement on rare earth minerals should be “linked to security guarantees.”

“I do not see that connection in the current document. It must be made explicit, and that is crucial,” he added.

Why Rare Earth Minerals Matter

Rare earth elements are essential materials for producing high-tech devices, including smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, and military equipment. Despite their name, rare earth metals are relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust, but they are difficult to extract due to their low concentration in mined ores.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. has an estimated 3.6 million tons of rare earth reserves. While the U.S. is the world’s second-largest producer of rare earth minerals, it still lags far behind China, which holds over 40 million tons of reserves and dominates the global rare earth supply chain—accounting for 70% of global mining output and 90% of refining capacity.

Ukraine, meanwhile, is estimated to hold about 5% of the world’s rare earth reserves, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report. Additionally, the Ukrainian Geological Survey has reported significant reserves of lithium, titanium, and zirconium—all of which are strategically valuable minerals.

U.S. Aid to Ukraine and Future Negotiations

Since the start of the war, the United States has provided approximately $175 billion in aid to Ukraine, making it Kyiv’s largest international supporter. As negotiations over Ukraine’s mineral wealth continue, the rare earth deal could become a key factor in shaping Ukraine’s post-war economic and security future.

However, with no agreement reached, discussions remain ongoing—and Kyiv is weighing its options carefully before making any commitments.

(Sources: NBC, Reuters)

Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.

Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?

We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from

Los Angeles Airport - LAX

Long Beach Airport - LGB

John Wayne Airport - SNA

San Pedro cruise port

Long Beach cruise port

Disneyland

and other destinations.

Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!