Mineral Resource Deal with the U.S. Is Beneficial for Both Sides President Zelensky

Zelensky: Mineral Resource Deal with the U.S. Is Beneficial for Both Sides

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described a new mineral resources agreement with the United States as a "win-win" deal. He stated that through this agreement, Ukraine could obtain critical air defense systems and deepen its long-term strategic relationship with the U.S.

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv on Saturday after a meeting with President Donald Trump, Zelensky said the agreement includes the establishment of a joint investment fund that will work on mineral extraction and processing, offering long-term opportunities for American investors in Ukraine.

"This mineral resource deal is beneficial for both sides," said Zelensky.
He added, "I told President Trump that our teams should move forward constructively and set a specific date for signing the agreement."

He said the fund would protect U.S. investments and build confidence in Ukraine's economic future. “In particular, we want air defense systems to protect our territory and people. That’s why we want these systems included in the agreement,” he said.

Zelensky said Kyiv has already sent a list of required air defense systems to the U.S., and President Trump has expressed willingness to cooperate. However, he emphasized, “These things will not come for free,” calling on the U.S. to provide Ukraine with opportunities to purchase weapons.

He noted that the U.S. Congress has approved $15 billion in military aid for 2025 and another $15 billion for 2026. According to Zelensky’s proposal, both tranches could be delivered in 2025, with Ukraine repaying its share in installments.

“This would be a $30 billion U.S. assistance package, part of which Ukraine would gradually repay. This is the kind of agreement we are talking about,” said Zelensky.

He called the deal historic and said it’s not limited to raw material exports but also opens opportunities for reinvestment in Ukraine’s economy and long-term industrial development. A portion of the profits could later be invested in Ukraine’s infrastructure, subject to mutual agreement.

Zelensky said that alongside duty-free raw material exports to the U.S., efforts are underway to establish value-added industries within Ukraine. He specifically mentioned a mineral mine near the frontlines in the Pokrovsk area of the Donetsk region.

“For American businesses, this mineral resource deal is the best kind of ‘insurance’ right now,” he said.

Zelensky also shared, “President Trump told me personally — and I take this very seriously — that now Russia will not touch Ukraine, because now we are partners.”

He further mentioned that he raised the issue of tougher U.S. sanctions against Russia during the meeting and described Trump’s response as “very strong,” though he did not provide further details.