During recent discussions about U.S. assistance to Ukraine, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday the United States is on the verge of reaching an agreement with Ukraine aimed at sharing revenue from Ukrainian minerals. Speaking at a conservative gathering near Washington, Trump stated, "I think we're pretty close to a deal," emphasizing Washington’s intent to reclaim the billions it has provided as military aid to Ukraine, which has been waging war against Russian invaders.
With the focus on acquiring rare earth metals, oil, or similar resources, U.S. negotiators have integrated some contentious strategies to press Kyiv for access to its valuable minerals. Reports from Reuters indicate this has included speculations about restricting Ukraine's access to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, which is considered pivotal for Ukraine’s military operations and communication.
Referring to Ukraine's reliance on the service, one source familiar with the negotiations remarked, "Ukraine runs on Starlink. They regard it as their North Star. Losing Starlink ... would be a massive blow." The issue reportedly came up during meetings on Thursday between Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, who was warned of potential service interruption should negotiations stall.
Musk reacted publicly to the Reuters article, labeling it as “false” and asserted it was misinformation, but did not provide additional details when directly contacted for clarification. Meanwhile, Reuters has stood by its reporting, indicating the complex negotiations taking place behind closed doors.
On Sunday, President Zelenskiy voiced his concerns during a news conference marking the three-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He acknowledged the possibility of having to sign off on the economic agreement with the U.S. if it meant continued support, saying, "If your conditions are, ‘We will not give you aid if you do not sign an agreement,’ then it is clear.” He expressed the need for dialogue with President Trump, hinting at potential flexibility.
Zelenskiy affirmed he is open to discussions around U.S. profiting from Ukraine's vast mineral resources but firmly rejected the initial proposal amount of $500 billion, stating, "I am not signing something to be paid off by 10 generations of Ukrainians.” This position reflects Zelenskiy’s emphasis on ensuring adequate security guarantees alongside any financial arrangements.
The urgency of reaching such agreements is echoed by the Ukrainian leadership, as Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, departed the forum to engage with U.S. officials about potential deal terms. Understanding the strategic role of mineral resources, Yermak reiterated their significance: “the mineral resources represent a very important element.”
Ukraine’s mineral wealth, especially in rare earth elements, is not only economically significant but also increasingly viewed as central to bolstering national security and defense. The negotiations highlight this intersection between resource management and military strategy, reinforcing the premise of leveraging natural assets to secure assistance.
Overall, this developing agreement reflects deep geopolitical ramifications, underscoring the dynamic nature of international relations in the face of conflict. Both countries continue to navigate these complex discussions, balancing immediate needs against long-term national interests. The outcomes of these negotiations may well influence future alliances and resource management approaches not only for Ukraine but also for its international partners.