Trump and Ukraine Finalize Rare Earth Minerals Deal Tied to U.S. Aid

The agreement links Ukraine's mineral profits to U.S. war aid repayment but raises questions about security guarantees and economic feasibility.

The U.S. and Ukraine have agreed to a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals, with 50% of profits allocated to repaying U.S. aid for Ukraine's defense efforts.
The agreement establishes a co-managed reconstruction fund for Ukraine but lacks explicit U.S. security guarantees, with European nations urged to provide such assurances.
Ukraine's mineral reserves remain largely unverified, with limited infrastructure and ongoing conflict casting doubt on the deal's economic viability.
President Trump has framed the deal as a transactional approach to foreign policy, emphasizing economic returns for U.S. taxpayers over traditional security commitments.
Critics argue the deal pressures Ukraine into a lopsided arrangement while failing to address broader geopolitical and humanitarian concerns, including ongoing Russian aggression.