On February 7, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced his intention to discuss with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the possibility of providing American aid in exchange for access to Ukrainian rare earth metals. Trump emphasized that the US provides significant support to Ukraine and expects corresponding support in the form of valuable resources.

Volodymyr Zelensky, in turn, expressed readiness to cooperate with Western partners in the field of mineral extraction. He noted that Ukraine is open to joint development of its resources with those who help the country defend its territory.

Ukraine has significant reserves of rare earth metals, including lithium, titanium and uranium, which are strategically important for high-tech industries and the defense industry. The total value of Ukraine's mineral resources is estimated at $15 trillion.

The proposal for cooperation in rare earth metals mining was included in the "victory plan" presented by Zelensky in September 2024. This plan envisaged joint development of Ukrainian resources with Western partners in exchange for support and security guarantees.

However, the initiative has drawn criticism from some world leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Trump's proposal "selfish and egocentric," stressing that Ukraine's resources should be used for its reconstruction, not as compensation for aid provided.

The Kremlin also commented on Trump's proposal, stating that the US is offering Ukraine "to buy aid," but it would be better not to provide it at all, thereby helping to end the conflict.