President Trump is set to secure a game-changing deal with Ukraine for access to rare earth minerals, strengthening America’s security and economic independence from China. The historic agreement comes despite previous tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
At a glance:
- Trump announces the U.S. will sign a minerals and natural resources deal with Ukraine “very shortly”
- The agreement establishes a reconstruction investment fund with joint U.S.-Ukraine ownership
- Trump signed an Executive Order invoking the Defense Production Act to boost domestic mineral production
- The deal aims to reduce America’s dangerous dependence on China for critical minerals
- The agreement comes amid ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine
America First Mineral Strategy
President Donald Trump has announced plans for the United States to sign a minerals and natural resources deal with Ukraine. The agreement is a major step in Trump’s America First agenda to secure vital resources needed for technology and defense, reducing reliance on hostile foreign suppliers like China and securing US independence for generations to come.
The announcement follows Trump’s Executive Order to boost domestic mining and production of critical minerals, including uranium, copper, potash, and gold. By invoking the Defense Production Act, Trump elevated these minerals to national security status.
The landmark deal will establish a reconstruction investment fund with joint U.S. and Ukraine ownership. Ukraine will contribute 50% of revenues from future monetization of government-owned natural resources. This strategic partnership gives America access to an estimated $500 billion worth of rare earths and critical minerals in exchange for continued military support to Ukraine.
Breaking China’s Stranglehold
Trump’s diplomacy and deal-making directly challenges China’s dominance in critical mineral production, threatening America’s national security and technological advancement. The United States currently has limited domestic production of essential minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earths, while China controls much of the global supply chain.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has eased some concern by confirming that U.S. troops will not be deployed to Ukraine as part of any security guarantees for the country. This ensures American soldiers won’t be put in harm’s way while America secures vital minerals for our defense industry.
The Executive Order directs federal agencies to identify U.S. mines and federal lands for expedited mineral processing approvals, cutting through bureaucratic red tape.
Diplomatic Hurdles and Peace Efforts
The U.S. and Ukraine had initially planned to sign the deal on February 28, but it was delayed after a highly controversial meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance at the White House. Zelensky left the meeting without signing a deal after harsh words were exchanged with Trump and Vance in full view of the world’s media.
The minerals agreement faces challenges however, including incomplete reserve data, damaged Ukrainian infrastructure, and ongoing security risks. Industry experts note that the benefits for the U.S. may take up to 20 years to come to fruition.
