What's happened
On March 31, 2025, Trump announced a potential revenue-sharing agreement with Ukraine regarding rare earth minerals. Despite previous tensions, both nations appear ready to finalize the deal, which Trump claims will help recoup U.S. military aid costs. However, experts question the existence of significant rare earth deposits in Ukraine.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Skepticism on Resources: Experts like Laura Lewis and Erik Jonsson have raised doubts about the actual presence of rare earth elements in Ukraine, stating that credible evidence is lacking. This skepticism casts doubt on the viability of the deal.
- Political Motivations: Trump's framing of the deal as a means to recover military aid costs suggests a strategic move to bolster U.S. interests in the region while also attempting to stabilize Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
- Implications for Ukraine: If the deal proceeds, it could significantly impact Ukraine's economy and its relationship with the U.S., but the lack of solid resource data may hinder investor confidence.
- Future Prospects: The outcome of this deal will likely influence U.S.-Ukraine relations and could set a precedent for how resource-sharing agreements are approached in conflict zones.
What the papers say
According to Emily Crane from the New York Post, Trump stated, "He’s trying to back out of the rare earth deal... He wants to be a member of NATO, but he’s never going to be a member of NATO." This highlights the pressure on Ukraine to finalize the agreement. Meanwhile, Mia Jankowicz from Business Insider UK notes that experts are skeptical about the existence of rare earth deposits, with Lewis stating, "I cannot find credible evidence of rare earth deposits in Ukraine. At all." This skepticism is echoed by Jonsson, who emphasizes the outdated nature of Ukraine's geological surveys. Al Jazeera reports that Trump is pushing for the deal as part of broader efforts to stabilize the region, stating, "They have tremendous value in rare earths, and we appreciate that." This multifaceted coverage illustrates the tension between political ambitions and the realities of resource availability.
How we got here
The proposed deal emerged after a tense meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in February 2025, which initially jeopardized negotiations. Following this, Zelenskyy expressed readiness to sign the agreement, contingent on legal review.
Go deeper
- What are rare earth minerals and why are they important?
- How could this deal affect U.S.-Ukraine relations?
- What do experts say about Ukraine's mineral resources?
Common question
-
What are the implications of Trump's foreign policy moves in Ukraine and Saudi Arabia?
Recent developments in Trump's foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, have raised numerous questions about their potential impact on global relations and markets. As Trump pushes for a rare earth deal with Ukraine and plans a significant visit to Saudi Arabia, many are left wondering how these moves will shape the geopolitical landscape.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
-
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
