Trump wants Ukraine’s rare earth metals: Zelenskyy responds

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement about helping Ukraine in exchange for its rare earth resources.

The Ukrainian Head of State addressed the issue during a briefing with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

Zelensky emphasized that this is an important economic aspect included in the “Victory Plan”—“we are open to American investments.”

"This is not just about rare earth metals but about investments in general. Ukraine has ample mineral resources," Zelenskyy stated.

He reminded that Russia occupied Ukrainian territories with vast mineral reserves back in 2014.

"We are open to developing these resources with our partners - those who help us defend our land and push the enemy back with their weapons, their presence, and sanctions packages. And this is absolutely fair," Zelenskyy added.

The Head of State noted that he had already discussed this issue with Trump during a meeting in New York last September.

"I told him that we are open. We are open to American companies investing here - gladly. Because if all this falls under Russia’s control, other countries and companies will step in. I am certain that Iran and North Korea would be among them. The fact that I spoke to him about this is undeniable. I know that American businesses are very interested in entering Ukraine. I want them to develop this sector in our country," Zelenskyy emphasized.

Not just minerals, but nuclear energy

As an example, he cited the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), one of the largest nuclear facilities in the world, which used to generate 6 GW of power.

"Take a single reactor block today. Building one requires billions of dollars. In the U.S., power stations with two or three blocks cost $10-15 billion. That’s their production cost. On top of what such a plant can generate. This is money every day. Today in Ukraine, due to the occupation and attacks, we import 300 MW. Imagine that… We are importing power while we actually own 6 GW. So, the issue isn’t just about minerals. There are many aspects to consider. Nuclear energy - we are also open to partnerships with other countries," Zelenskyy stated.

Read also:

• During the night attack, the Russians damaged Ukrainian railways: the aftermath

• The Russians struck Izyum with ballistic missile: many killed and wounded

• Why a U.S. metals deal is the best solution for Ukraine: an expert explains

• Russia has taken two Zaporizhzhia NPP workers hostage: Zelenskyy made a statement