In a significant geopolitical development, former President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the U.S. is “pretty close” to finalizing an agreement with Ukraine to secure access to its valuable rare earth minerals. This deal is part of broader efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing war following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Strategic Economic Partnership in the Making
Speaking from the Oval Office after the swearing-in ceremony of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump emphasized the importance of the deal, stating, “You know, I think they want it, and they feel good about it. And it’s significant. It’s a big deal. But they want it, and it keeps us in that country. And they’re very happy about it.”
Trump also noted that the U.S. would be able to recover a portion of its financial aid provided to Ukraine through this economic agreement. “We get our money back. This should have been done long before we even got involved. Biden should have taken action, but he didn’t know what he was doing. The war should have never happened in the first place, and it could have been settled early on. Now it’s tougher, but we’ll get it done.”
Trump’s National Security Advisor Confirms Ukraine’s Commitment
During the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), National Security Advisor Mike Waltz reinforced the urgency of the deal, stating, “President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is going to sign that deal, and you will see that in the very short term.”
Waltz also suggested in a recent interview with Fox & Friends that Ukraine should reconsider its stance towards Trump and work collaboratively with the U.S. to establish an economic agreement that benefits both nations.
Biden Administration’s Inaction and the Path Forward
Trump criticized the previous administration for not securing a similar deal earlier, arguing that such an agreement would have provided Ukraine with better security guarantees and economic stability. The proposed agreement includes access to critical resources such as titanium, iron, and uranium—materials essential for defense, technology, and energy sectors.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who recently met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, described the negotiations as a “win-win” for both countries. “Part of my trip was to convey to the Ukrainian people that we want an economic partnership with them,” Bessent said during an interview with Bret Baier on Special Report.
He further explained, “President Trump’s vision is to bring the Ukrainian and American people closer together economically, demonstrating that U.S. support translates into long-term partnerships and investment opportunities.”
Tensions Between Trump and Zelenskyy Over Peace Talks
Despite the progress in economic negotiations, tensions remain high between Trump and Zelenskyy, particularly as the U.S. continues to engage with Russian officials in ongoing peace talks. Trump recently remarked that Zelenskyy lacks leverage in negotiations, stating, “I’ve been watching this man for years as his cities are destroyed, his people suffer, and his soldiers fall. He has no negotiating power, and frankly, it’s frustrating.”
A High-Stakes Agreement With Global Implications
With Ukraine’s rare earth minerals playing a crucial role in global supply chains, securing access to these resources could reshape the geopolitical landscape. If finalized, the agreement would bolster U.S. industrial capabilities while providing Ukraine with much-needed economic support.
As negotiations continue, the world watches closely to see if this strategic deal will come to fruition and contribute to stabilizing the region.
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. is close to securing access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as part of peace negotiations.
- Trump criticized Biden for not making a similar deal earlier.
- National Security Advisor Mike Waltz confirmed Ukraine’s commitment to the agreement.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the economic benefits for both nations.
- Ongoing tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy could impact final negotiations.
Stay tuned to Sky Star News for updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.
