Trump Seeks Rare Metals Deal With Ukraine in Exchange for Security Guarantees

US President Donald Trump has stated that he seeks to finalize a $500 million agreement with Ukraine to secure access to rare earth metals and natural gas in exchange for security guarantees in any potential peace settlement.

He made these remarks during an interview with The New York Post while aboard Air Force One on February 8.

Trump also revealed that he had a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. According to him, Putin expressed a desire to see an end to casualties on the battlefield.

“He wants to see people stop dying,” said Trump. When asked about the frequency of their discussions, Trump declined to specify, saying, “I’d rather not say.”

Reiterating his stance on the war in Ukraine, Trump claimed that the full-scale invasion “would never have happened” had he been in office in 2022. He further asserted that he has a concrete plan to bring the war to an end and suggested that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could take place soon.

In addition, Trump mentioned the possibility of meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy next week. Meanwhile, US Vice President J.D. Vance is set to meet with Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference.

Earlier, on February 3, US President Donald Trump stated that he is seeking an agreement with Ukraine to secure rare earth minerals in exchange for American aid. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said the deal would involve Ukraine using its resources to support what the US is providing.