Trump Secures Controversial Minerals Deal with Ukraine Amid War
The agreement grants the U.S. access to Ukraine's critical mineral resources, but experts question its feasibility and long-term value.
- President Trump has reached a preliminary agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to jointly develop and monetize Ukraine's critical mineral reserves.
- The deal, framed as compensation for U.S. wartime aid, includes access to resources like lithium, graphite, and titanium, which are vital for high-tech and defense industries.
- Experts caution that much of Ukraine's mineral wealth is located in Russian-occupied territories or areas heavily affected by ongoing conflict, complicating extraction and development efforts.
- The U.S. lacks sufficient infrastructure to refine and process these minerals domestically, raising concerns about reliance on China for critical supply chains.
- While Trump claims the deal could be worth $500 billion, analysts argue the valuation is uncertain due to outdated data and the complexities of accessing these resources.