Trump says US-Ukraine minerals deal on the verge of being signed

President Donald Trump has announced that he believes the United States and Ukraine are close to finalizing a minerals deal that will be mutually beneficial for both nations.

As reported by The New Arab, Trump made the announcement at the White House while signing an executive order aimed at increasing domestic critical mineral production.

“We’re also signing agreements in various locations to unlock rare earths and minerals” he stated. He further elaborated that negotiations with Ukraine were progressing well, adding that a deal would be signed “shortly”

If finalised, the minerals deal would provide significant economic benefits for both the US and Ukraine by unlocking new opportunities.

For Ukraine, developing its mineral resources could play crucial role in post-war economic recovery, with these resources potentially becoming the cornerstone of the country’s economy.

On the other hand, for the US, access to Ukraine’s minerals is seen as a means for Kyiv to repay Washington for its continued support in the war against Russia. Trump and many of his allies have advocated for this approach, arguing that Ukraine should compensate the US for military and financial aid.

Previous attempts to negotiate the deal have failed due to diplomatic differences and a public falling-out between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 28th.

The potential agreement comes against the backdrop of ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the US.

It is hoped that a ceasefire will eventually lead to a broader peace deal, helping to stabilize the war-torn region. Commenting on the progress, President Trump said that peace negotiations were “going pretty well” fuelling optimism that an agreement  could be reached soon.

The New Arab