Ukraine offers rare earths and LNG storage for US security pact
Ukraine is ready to offer the US rare earth metals and underground storage for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in exchange for security guarantees, according to Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with Reuters. The President of Ukraine highlighted that this proposal represents a mutually beneficial partnership.
"The Americans helped the most, and therefore the Americans should earn the most," said President Zelensky, as reported by Reuters.
US President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine should ensure access to these metals as a guarantee for further military aid. "We're looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they're going to secure what we're giving them with their rare earths and other things," stated Trump.
As Reuters notes, Zelensky had already discussed with Trump in autumn 2024 the provision of Ukrainian rare earth metal deposits, critical in the production of high-efficiency magnets, electric motors, and consumer electronics, in exchange for security guarantees.
Zelensky reminded that Ukraine holds the largest reserves of titanium and uranium in Europe. Titanium is vital for the aerospace and space industries, while uranium is crucial for nuclear energy. Some deposits are situated in areas occupied by Russia.
Cooperation on LNG
"Many of the titanium deposits were marked in northwestern Ukraine, far from the fighting," noted Reuters. According to the Ukrainian leader, Russia had knowledge of the location of key resources in Ukraine from Soviet geological surveys, which were transferred to Moscow after Kyiv declared independence in 1991. Some deposits are in Ukrainian territories occupied by Russian forces.
The President of Ukraine also discussed the potential of utilising Ukrainian storage facilities for storing American LNG. "We're ready and willing to have contracts for LNG supplies to Ukraine. And of course, we will be a hub for the whole of Europe," stated Zelensky.
Zelensky emphasised the significance of meeting with the US President before Trump's discussions with Vladimir Putin. "Otherwise, it will look like a dialogue about Ukraine without Ukraine," he remarked. Trump announced that a meeting with Zelensky could occur next week in Washington, D.C.
