The Ukrainian president unfolded an once graded map with huge deposits of rare earths and other minerals of strategic importance during an interview with Reuters news agency today, responding to the proposal for “guarantees” from Kiev in return.
Seeking the immediate end of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US president expressed a day ago to provide Kiev rare earths and other minerals in the US in exchange for US financial support.
“If we are talking about agreement, let’s make a deal,” Zelenski said, stressing that any settlement is necessary to provide guarantees by allies for Ukraine’s security.
Last fall, Kiev had included the attraction of foreign investors to exploit Ukraine’s fossil wealth to the “Victory Plan” he had presented with the aim of finding his future negotiations with Moscow.
Zelenski said that less than 20% of Ukraine’s fossil resources, including about half of rare earths, is currently under Russian forces control. He warned that Moscow could allocate these resources in North Korea and Iran – Russian allies and sworn enemies of the US. “We have to stop Putin and protect our wealth,” Zelenski said, making a special reference to the “very rich” Dpropterovsk region.
The Russian invaders have been on the Eastern Front for months, taking advantage of the numerical advantage in the battlefields, while Kiev is worried about future weapons traditions from his allies.
He threw all his “weapons” on the table
During his interview with Reuters, Zelenski unfolded a map showing the numerous mineral deposits in his office, including a lane in the eastern part of Ukraine with the indication that they are rich in rare land. About half the zone is alleged to be under the control of the Russian forces.
Zelenski said Ukraine has the largest titanium deposits in Europe – which is valuable in the aerospace industry – as well as uranium deposits used in nuclear and defensive technology. On the map, many of the titanium deposits were depicted in northwestern Ukraine, away from the fronts of the battles.
Ukraine’s president made it clear that he did not propose to “give” his country’s mineral wealth, but a mutually beneficial partnership for their exploitation. “The Americans have helped to the greater degree, so they should win the most. They should have this priority and will have it. I would also like to talk about it with President Trump, “Zelenski said.
In addition, he said that Kiev and the White House are discussing the possibility of using the huge underground gas storage facilities in Ukraine to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US. “I know that the Trump government is very interested in it … We are ready and willing to sign LNG procurement contracts in Ukraine. And of course, we will be a hub for the whole of Europe, “he added.
Volodimir Zelenski gave the interview to Reuters a few days before the Munich Conference on Security (February 14-16), in which the Ukrainian president said he intends to attend. The conference is also expected by Keith Kogg, Trump’s special envoy to Russia and Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president stressed that he considers it necessary to meet with Trump before his US counterpart meets the strong man of Kremlin Vladimir Putin, “otherwise he will look like a dialogue for Ukraine, without Ukraine.”
