Ukraine US Minerals Deal Nears Finish Line
On February 24, 2025, Ukraine’s Deputy PM Olga Stefanishyna announced the Ukraine US minerals deal is nearly sealed, posting on X that “negotiations have been very constructive” with “key details finalized.” Kyiv aims to wrap it swiftly, she added, amid Trump’s pressure for Ukraine’s $500 billion in minerals—5% of global critical reserves—as payback for aid Kyiv pegs at $100 billion. Unveiled in Zelensky’s September 2024 “victory plan” to Trump, the deal—eyed at 4:23 AM PST, February 25—seeks US commitment while countering Putin’s rival minerals offer to America, aired Monday on Russian TV, including occupied Ukrainian zones.
Ukraine boasts 19 million tonnes of graphite—top-five globally—plus a third of Europe’s lithium and 7% of pre-war titanium, per the Ukrainian Geological Survey. Rare earths, vital for weapons and renewables, abound too, but Russia’s 2022 invasion snatched $350 billion in deposits—63% of coal, half of manganese and rare earths—per SecDev’s 2022 study. Dr. Robert Muggah calls it a “strategic coup” for Moscow, slashing Kyiv’s revenue and boosting Russia’s sway. Trump’s push, intensified post-election, eyes these riches to cut US reliance on China’s 75% rare earth grip—tightened by December 2024 export bans—fueling EVs and tech.
Ukraine US Minerals Deal: Stakes and Sticking Points
The Ukraine US minerals deal teeters on Zelensky’s push for security guarantees atop Trump’s $500 billion aid claim—Kyiv insists it’s $79 billion in grants, not loans. Last Wednesday, Zelensky nixed a 50% minerals split; Sunday’s draft upped it to full US control, he told press—prompting his “I can’t sell our state” retort. Boris Johnson, in Kyiv Monday, hailed it “the great prize” for a “free, secure Ukraine,” per BBC. Putin’s counter—offering Russia’s heftier stash—muddies it. For more, visit BBC or Kenkou Land.
Main Body: A Deal’s Geopolitical Dance
Today, February 25, 2025, at 4:23 AM PST, the Ukraine US minerals deal nears ink amid Trump’s rift with Zelensky. Stefanishyna’s Monday X post—“swift signature” ahead—follows months of haggling since Zelensky’s September plan dangled Ukraine’s 5% global minerals—graphite (19M tonnes), lithium (33% of Europe’s), titanium (7% pre-war)—for US backing. SecDev’s 2022 data shows Russia’s grab—$277 billion lost—slashes Kyiv’s edge; Putin’s Monday Rossiya 1 boast of “significantly more” resources, including Donbas, taunts Trump’s $396 billion aid-for-minerals play—Kyiv says $79 billion, no payback owed.
Trump’s White House, eyeing China’s rare earth chokehold (75%, per Geological Investment Group), sees Ukraine’s EVs and arms metals as a lifeline—China’s December ban stings. Zelensky digs in for security; Sunday’s “full control” draft sparked his defiance. Johnson’s Monday BBC nod—“not a rip-off”—backs Iryna Suprun’s pitch: US tech and cash via Geological Investment Group could mean jobs, taxes, and mined wealth—$350 billion still in play. At 4:23 AM PST, Putin’s rival bid looms—will Trump bite, or lock Kyiv in? Ukraine’s mineral fate teeters—war’s next leverage point.
