Zelensky Seeks Deal with Trump on Rare Earths, LNG

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky examined a once-classified map of his country's vast rare earth metal deposits in an interview with Reuters on Friday, signaling an attempt to appeal to former U.S. President Donald Trump's deal-making instincts.

Trump, who has pushed for an expedited resolution to Ukraine's nearly three-year war with Russia, said that he wants Ukraine to supply rare earth metals and other strategic minerals to the U.S. in exchange for continued financial and military aid.

"If we are talking about a deal, then let's make a deal, we are only in favor," Zelensky said, emphasizing the need for security guarantees from allies as part of any settlement.

Ukraine last fall proposed opening up its mineral wealth for investment by Western allies under a "victory plan" meant to strengthen its negotiating position and pressure Moscow to the table.

Critical Resources at Stake

Zelensky said that while less than 20% of Ukraine’s total mineral resources, including nearly half of its rare earth metal deposits, are under Russian control, Moscow could leverage them to strengthen its alliances with North Korea and Iran, two adversaries of Washington.

"We need to stop Putin and protect what we have — the very rich Dnieper region, central Ukraine," he said.

Rare earth metals are crucial for producing high-performance magnets, electric motors, and consumer electronics. Zelensky underscored Ukraine’s vast reserves of titanium—essential for aerospace and defense industries—as well as uranium deposits for nuclear power and weaponry.

"Ukraine has the largest titanium reserves in Europe," he noted, adding that many of these deposits are in the north-western region, far from the front lines.

Shifting to a Transactional Approach

Faced with an evolving geopolitical landscape, Kyiv is adjusting its foreign policy to align with what Zelensky described as Trump's "transactional worldview."

However, he made clear that Ukraine is not offering to "distribute" its resources but rather proposing a mutually beneficial partnership.

"The Americans helped the most, and therefore the Americans should earn the most. And they should have that priority, and they will," Zelensky said. "I would also like to talk to President Trump about this."

According to him, Russia has detailed knowledge of Ukraine’s critical resources from Soviet-era geological surveys that were transferred to Moscow when Ukraine gained independence in 1991.

In addition to minerals, Zelensky revealed that Kyiv and Washington are discussing the potential use of Ukraine's underground gas storage facilities to store American liquefied natural gas (LNG).

"I know that the Trump administration is very interested in this... We are ready and willing to have contracts for LNG supplies to Ukraine. And, of course, we will be a hub for the whole of Europe," he said.

Push for Direct Talks with Trump

The interview comes ahead of the Munich Security Conference from Feb. 14-16, where Western leaders will gather at a critical moment in the war.

Zelensky said he plans to attend and hopes to meet Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg. However, the Ukrainian leader stressed that he must personally meet Trump before the former president holds any discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Otherwise, it will be like a dialogue about Ukraine without Ukraine," he warned.

Trump said on Friday that he expects to speak with Zelensky next week. The Ukrainian president said his priority would be securing long-term security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.

Meanwhile, Zelensky confirmed that his team is in regular contact with Kellogg and Trump's national security adviser, Michael Waltz.

"We communicate every day, discuss general issues, but specifics will appear a little later," he said.

Military Pressure and Recruitment Drive

As diplomatic maneuvers continue, Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold back Russian advances in the east, where Moscow has been reinforcing its positions for months. Ukraine, facing manpower shortages, is preparing new recruitment initiatives.

Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian troops launched a new offensive on Thursday, advancing 2.5 km (1.5 miles) into Russia’s Kursk region. Russia acknowledged a Ukrainian attack but said it had been repelled.

He also claimed that thousands of North Korean troops fighting for Russia have resumed active combat after a brief pause.

To address labor shortages in the military, Kyiv plans to roll out lucrative recruitment contracts next week for young men aged 18-24, though Zelensky declined to specify how many are expected to enlist.

As Ukraine navigates an uncertain battlefield and a shifting diplomatic landscape, Zelensky is betting on securing both strategic deals and political backing from Washington—before it is too late.