Trump Administration Reportedly Offers Ukraine an Updated Rare Earth Minerals Agreement

The U.S. and Ukraine are reportedly in talks over an updated minerals agreement after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially rejected a proposal from President Donald Trump, according to Axios citing sources on February 20.

“The latest draft includes significant improvements and aligns with Ukrainian law,” the source said.

Axios reports that several of Zelenskyy’s aides encouraged him to sign the revised proposal to avoid further conflicts with Trump and provide justification for continued U.S. support for Ukraine.

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz emphasized the need for continued negotiations, stating that Zelenskyy must return to the table. A White House official reinforced this stance, saying, “This is a negotiation. And in a negotiation, you negotiate. Ukraine wants to discuss minerals, so that’s what we’re doing.”

Previously, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz called on Kyiv to reassess its position on a proposed minerals agreement, urging Kyiv to reconsider its stance on a proposed minerals deal.