Ukraine to Pursue Minerals Deal with U.S. While Ceasefire Talks Remain Stalled

Ukraine is set to dispatch a team of negotiators to the United States this week to discuss Washington’s latest proposal concerning access to its rare earth minerals deposits. Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced on Monday that the delegation aims to advance negotiations on a contentious deal that U.S. President Donald Trump has linked to continued American support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Trump has framed the agreement as vital for Ukraine’s post-war security and reconstruction, asserting that it would grant the U.S. preferential access to valuable natural resources. However, negotiations are complicated by Moscow’s reluctance to engage in ceasefire discussions, further stalling a potential resolution to the conflict.

Svyrydenko revealed that the Ukrainian delegation will comprise representatives from various ministries, including economy, foreign affairs, justice, and finance. She stated, “This dialogue reflects the strategic interests of both nations and our shared commitment to building a strong, transparent partnership,” adding that the goal is to align on project selection, legal frameworks, and long-term investment mechanisms.

The deal is crucial for Kyiv as it seeks to maintain U.S. support, particularly in light of Trump’s apparent alignment with Moscow’s agenda in ongoing ceasefire talks that have sidelined Ukraine and its European allies. Trump has indicated that Washington will not support the presence of peacekeepers to ensure Ukraine’s security during a ceasefire. Instead, he argues that the involvement of U.S. firms in mineral extraction within Ukraine would serve as a deterrent to further Russian aggression.

An earlier version of the deal fell apart following a tense Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February. In late March, Washington presented a revised draft that significantly broadened the scope of the agreement, now including not only rare earth minerals but also gas and oil. This expansion has drawn criticism from some Ukrainian lawmakers, who have characterized it as a diplomatic shakedown.

Trump views the deal as a means to recoup billions in aid provided to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. However, Zelenskyy has firmly rejected the notion that previous U.S. assistance should be treated as loans that require repayment, and he remains committed to ensuring that any future agreements do not jeopardize Ukraine’s integration with the European Union.

Kremlin’s Position and International Concerns

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin supports the idea of a ceasefire in Ukraine but noted that there are many “questions hanging in the air” regarding its implementation. Putin has thus far dismissed a joint U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, suggesting that any partial truce in the Black Sea would depend on the West lifting certain sanctions.

Ukraine’s European allies have cautioned the U.S. against falling for Moscow’s tactics to delay progress while continuing its bombardment of Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron recently underscored this concern. “For almost a month now, Russia has not only refused to accept the ceasefire but has also intensified its bombardment of civilians,” he stated during a visit to Cairo, Egypt. “It is urgent that Russia stop with the pretenses and stalling tactics and accept the unconditional ceasefire proposed by President Trump.”

Signals from Washington have been mixed. Trump has expressed frustration with the slow pace of negotiations, telling NBC News in March that he was “pissed off” with Putin, yet he continues to suggest a cordial relationship with the Russian leader. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted on Friday that Trump would not “fall into the trap of endless negotiations” with Russia regarding its ongoing offensive. “We will know soon enough, in a matter of weeks, not months, whether Russia is serious about peace or not,” he concluded.