Exclusive-Zelenskiy says 'Let's do a deal', offering Trump mineral partnership, seeking security

Daftar Isi

By Tom Balmforth and Olena Harmash

The US president, whose administration is pushing for a swift conclusion to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, stated on Monday that he wants the Ukraine to provide the US with rare earth elements and other minerals in exchange for the US supporting its war financially.

"Assuming a deal is on the table, then let's see a deal through," Zelensky stated, adding that security guarantees from its allies are a prerequisite for a successful agreement in Ukraine's eyes.

Ukraine mooted the possibility of making its critical minerals available to investors from its allies back in autumn, in connection with a "victory plan" that aimed to put the country in a strong negotiating position and coerce Moscow into holding talks.

Zelenskiy stated that under Russian control, less than 20% of Ukraine's mineral resources are, comprising roughly half of its rare earth deposits.

Rare earths are crucial in making high-performance magnets, electric motors and consumer electronics; Zelenskiy stated that Moscow might allow access to these resources for its allies North Korea and Iran, countries that are sworn enemies of the US.

"We must stop Putin and safeguard what we have – a very prosperous Dnipro area, central Ukraine," he said.

Russian forces have been making progress in the east over a period of months, putting a significant amount of resources into a relentless push while Kyiv's military, which is much smaller, is facing a shortage of troops and expressing concerns about forthcoming arms supplies from abroad.

President Zelenskiy spread out a map on the table in his heavily guarded office in Kyiv. The map signposted a series of mineral deposits, including a broad stretch of land in the east marked as rich in rare earth minerals. Roughly half of this area was on the Russian side of the present frontline.

He said Ukraine has Europe's largest stores of titanium, which is extremely important for the aviation and space industry, and uranium, which is used both for nuclear power and weapons.

Many of the titanium deposits were identified in northwestern Ukraine, situated far from the conflict zones.

Ukraine has quickly adjusted its foreign policy approach to match the pragmatic way of doing business that is being promoted by the new occupant of the White House, Ukraine's most significant ally.

But President Zelensky stressed that Kyiv does not intend to 'hand over' its resources, instead proposing a mutually beneficial partnership to jointly develop them.

The Americans have been the most helpful, so they should receive the most assistance. They should be prioritised in this matter and, as a result, they will be. I would also like to discuss this further with President Trump.

He stated that Russia was aware of the precise locations of Ukraine's vital resources from detailed geological surveys carried out in the Soviet era, which were relocated to Moscow when Ukraine gained its independence in 1991.

Furthermore, Zelenskiy stated that Kyiv and the White House were exploring the possibility of utilising Ukraine's extensive underground gas storage facilities to store US liquefied natural gas.

"We are aware that the Trump administration is very keen on this ... We're more than happy to enter into contracts for LNG deliveries to Ukraine. Furthermore, we will serve as a gateway for the entire continent of Europe," he said.

Zelenskiy wants meeting with Trump before US-Russia talks

The interview takes place just days prior to the Munich Security Conference scheduled for February 14-16, which will bring together officials from various Western nations at a critical point in the conflict, now nearly three years old.

Zelenskiy confirmed he will attend the forthcoming forum, where Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, is also anticipated.

The Ukrainian leader stated that it was crucial for him to meet with Trump in person prior to the U.S. president meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, "otherwise it will appear as though the dialogue is being held about Ukraine without representation from Ukraine itself".

On Friday, Trump said he intends to speak to Zelenskiy next week. Zelenskiy stated that his main focus would be lobbying for Ukraine's requirement for security guarantees to be included in any agreement, to prevent Russia launching another incursion in the future.

It was essential for the West to establish a comprehensive strategy beforehand before engaging in discussions with Moscow.

He said there were already established regular communication links between his team and Kellogg, as well as with Trump's national security adviser, Michael Waltz.

We discuss everyday topics, but the more detailed points will likely come up later on.

US President Trump's attempts to bring about peace take place with Russian forces closing in on the crucial Ukrainian logistics centre that is Pokrovsk.

President Zelensky confirmed in a battlefield briefing that Ukrainian troops had launched an operation on Thursday, advancing 2.5 kilometres and taking 1.5 miles of ground deeper into Russian-controlled territory in the Kursk region.

Russia claimed that Ukraine had launched an attack on the area, but asserted that the assault had been successfully countered.

The President noted that thousands of North Korean soldiers, who had previously halted their offensive for several weeks, have now resumed combat operations against Ukraine's forces near Kursk.

Next week, the government plans to issue attractive recruitment contracts to persuade young men from 18 to 24 years old - under draft age - to join the armed forces to alleviate a manpower shortage. Zelenskiy refused to state how many men are likely to enlist.

Reporting by Sergiy Karazy and Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Mike Collett-White and Kevin Liffey