The United States and Ukraine are finalizing a landmark economic deal that could grant America 50% of profits from Ukraine’s rare earth mineral extractions, potentially worth trillions of dollars, while talks continue about security guarantees and military aid.
It’s a deal that benefits both the U.S. and Ukraine.
At a Glance
- U.S. and Ukraine have reached a framework agreement for an economic partnership centered on rare earth minerals extraction
- The deal would create joint ownership of a fund with Ukraine contributing 50% of future proceeds from state-owned resources
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington to sign the agreement as early as Friday
- The agreement does not include security guarantees, which would be discussed separately between the presidents
- President Trump has described the potential value as “trillion dollars” involving rare earths and other resources
Economic Partnership Takes Shape
A historic economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine is nearing completion, focusing on Ukraine’s valuable rare earth minerals. These resources are crucial components for technology and defense industries, making them strategically important for America’s economic and military interests. The pending agreement would create a joint ownership fund with Ukraine contributing half of all future proceeds from state-owned resources, potentially creating a substantial new revenue stream for both nations.
The deal represents a significant step in U.S.-Ukrainian relations, providing both economic benefits and a framework for continued cooperation.
According to Middle East Institute Senior Fellow Iulia Joja, “A potential deal with Ukraine could bring in 50% of profits to America from rare minerals extracted by the U.S. ally.”
These minerals, which include lithium, titanium, and other elements essential for manufacturing high-tech products, could strengthen America’s supply chain independence from China and other competitors.
#Trump says he is in “serious talks” with #Putin about ending the war.
“I am in serious talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war, as well as major economic development deals to be made between the #UnitedStates and #Russia. Negotiations are going very…
— Babel.ua: Ukraine at war (@UaBabel) February 24, 2025
The agreement could be signed as early as Friday, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. When asked about meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump stated, “it’s okay with me, if he’d like to, and he would like to sign it together with me.”
Progress on the deal accelerated following a visit to Ukraine by Trump’s Special Envoy, Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who helped bridge differences between the two sides.
Notably, the current framework differs from earlier proposals. It does not include the previously discussed provision for Ukraine to pay $500 billion from rare earth profits as compensation for American wartime assistance. Instead, the focus has shifted to an ongoing partnership that benefits both nations through shared resource development and profit distribution, creating a more sustainable economic relationship.
While the economic aspects of the deal have progressed significantly, security guarantees are not included in the current framework. These matters will be addressed separately during discussions between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. The negotiations have experienced periods of tension, particularly regarding Ukraine’s desire for more concrete security commitments as it continues to face military pressure from Russia.
