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

A potential deal between Ukraine and the U.S. involving weapons and aid in exchange for rare metals would be the best solution for Kyiv. This is particularly because it could serve as a long-term security guarantee for Ukraine.

This opinion was expressed by political scientist and international relations expert Maksym Nesvitailov during a broadcast on Radio NV.

The expert emphasized that it would be naive to expect U.S. President Donald Trump to continue supporting Ukraine purely out of humanitarian concerns. This is why Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy included a provision on rare earth materials and mineral resources for allies in his "Victory Plan."

Nesvitailov notes that extraction could only begin after the war ends.

He also explained why such a deal would benefit Ukraine.

"Most of these minerals, worth six trillion dollars, are located in the Donbas. If the U.S. helps us reclaim these territories, clear them of mines - which would require tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars - build the necessary infrastructure for extraction, provide jobs, and make massive billion-dollar investments, then let them extract these resources. Because, in the end, this would become a key element of security guarantees for Ukraine. If the U.S. invests tens of billions of dollars and starts resource extraction, it will protect its investments," the expert explains.

"This won’t happen while the war is ongoing - extraction and sale or simple export of these materials from Ukraine. But if this guarantees us assistance and weapons now, then it is one of the best opportunities for us," Nesvitailov stressed.

Read also:

• How many missing Ukrainian military personnel and civilians: official figure announced

• Syrskyi reported to Zelenskyy on the situation on the Pokrovsk front lines: what became known

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

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