Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pored over a once-classified map of vast deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals during an interview with Reuters on Friday, part of a push to appeal to Donald Trump's penchant for a deal, APA reports quoting Reuters.
The U.S. president, whose administration is pressing for a rapid end to Ukraine's war with Russia, said on Monday he wanted Ukraine to supply the U.S. with rare earths and other minerals in return for financially supporting its war effort.
"If we are talking about a deal, then let's do a deal, we are only for it," Zelenskyy said, emphasising Ukraine's need for security guarantees from its allies as part of any settlement.
Ukraine floated the idea of opening its critical minerals to investment by allies last autumn, as it presented a "victory plan" that sought to put it in the strongest position for talks and force Moscow to the table.
Zelenskyy said less than 20% of Ukraine's mineral resources, including about half its rare earth deposits, were under Russian occupation.
Rare earths are important in the manufacture of high-performance magnets, electric motors and consumer electronics; Zelenskyy said Moscow could open those resources to its allies North Korea and Iran, both sworn U.S. enemies.
"We need to stop Putin and protect what we have - a very rich Dnipro region, central Ukraine," he said.
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