Zelenskiy Seeks Strategic Partnership on Ukraine's Critical Minerals Amid Ongoing Conflict

 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed a previously classified map highlighting vast deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals during an exclusive interview with Reuters. This disclosure aligns with Kyiv’s broader effort to leverage its natural resources as part of negotiations, including those with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed an interest in structuring a resource-based agreement to support Ukraine’s defense efforts.

The U.S. administration has been advocating for a swift resolution to Ukraine’s war with Russia. As part of this, Washington has proposed that Ukraine supply rare earths and other minerals to the U.S. in exchange for financial aid in the ongoing conflict. Zelenskiy, addressing this proposal, emphasized Ukraine’s need for firm security assurances from its allies as a prerequisite for any agreement. “If we are talking about a deal, then let’s do a deal. We are open to it,” he stated.

Ukraine’s Strategic Resource Reserves

Ukraine has positioned itself as a potential key supplier of critical minerals, floating the idea of opening its resource sector to investment from allied nations in late 2023 as part of its "victory plan." The strategy aims to bolster Ukraine’s negotiating position while countering Russian advances.

According to Zelenskiy, less than 20% of Ukraine’s mineral wealth is currently under Russian occupation, including about half of its rare earth deposits. These materials are crucial for manufacturing high-performance magnets, electric motors, and consumer electronics. He further warned that Moscow could exploit these resources for the benefit of its allies, including North Korea and Iran.

“We need to stop Putin and protect what we have – a very resource-rich Dnipro region and central Ukraine,” Zelenskiy asserted. His remarks come at a time when Russian forces have been steadily advancing in the east, leveraging superior resources and manpower, while Kyiv faces growing concerns over military supply shortages from Western allies.

U.S.-Ukraine Partnership on Minerals and Energy

During the discussion, Zelenskiy showcased a detailed map in his fortified Kyiv office, illustrating Ukraine’s extensive mineral deposits. A significant portion of these resources, including titanium – vital for the aerospace and defense industries – and uranium, which is crucial for nuclear energy, remains under Ukrainian control. Most of the identified titanium deposits are located in the northwest, far from the ongoing conflict zones.

Recognizing the evolving geopolitical landscape, Ukraine has recalibrated its foreign policy to align with the transactional approach of the current U.S. administration. However, Zelenskiy clarified that Kyiv was not seeking to simply "give away" its resources but instead proposing a mutually beneficial development partnership. “The Americans have provided the most support, and thus they should receive the most benefits. They will have priority access,” he said, adding that he intended to discuss this with Trump directly.

Ukraine’s mineral wealth has long been known to Moscow, with Soviet-era geological surveys having been transferred to Russia following Ukraine’s independence in 1991. Beyond minerals, Zelenskiy also confirmed that discussions are underway between Kyiv and Washington regarding Ukraine’s extensive underground gas storage facilities, which could serve as a strategic hub for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Europe.

“I know that the Trump administration is very interested in this opportunity. We are prepared to enter into long-term LNG supply contracts, positioning Ukraine as a major distribution center for Europe,” he noted.

Diplomatic Priorities Ahead of U.S.-Russia Talks

Zelenskiy’s comments come just days ahead of the Munich Security Conference, scheduled for February 14-16, where key Western leaders will convene to discuss Ukraine’s security future. Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, is expected to attend the event, and Zelenskiy underscored the importance of meeting with Trump prior to any U.S.-Russia negotiations.

“It is imperative that I meet with Trump before he speaks with Putin. Otherwise, it will appear as if decisions about Ukraine are being made without Ukraine’s involvement,” Zelenskiy asserted.

Trump confirmed last week that he plans to speak with Zelenskiy soon. The Ukrainian president reiterated that his primary objective remains securing ironclad security guarantees from the West to prevent any future Russian aggression.

While regular contacts have been maintained between Kyiv and key figures in Trump’s foreign policy team, including Kellogg and national security adviser Michael Waltz, Zelenskiy stated that substantive discussions would unfold in the coming weeks.

Military and Strategic Developments on the Ground

As Russian forces continue their offensive, placing strategic Ukrainian logistics hubs such as Pokrovsk at risk, Kyiv has launched new counteroffensives. Zelenskiy confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian troops advanced 2.5 kilometers into Russia’s Kursk region last Thursday, a move previously acknowledged but downplayed by Moscow.

Additionally, he revealed that thousands of North Korean troops, previously fighting on Russia’s behalf, have resumed active combat after a brief pause. In response to mounting military pressures, Ukraine plans to introduce lucrative recruitment contracts aimed at enlisting young men aged 18-24—below the current draft age—to bolster its ranks.

As Ukraine navigates complex diplomatic and military challenges, Zelenskiy remains focused on securing robust international backing while reinforcing his nation’s strategic resource potential.