Kyiv/Washington – Ukraine is sending a high-level delegation to Washington this week to finalize a strategic minerals deal with the United States, amid ongoing delays in ceasefire talks with Russia, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed the mission in a post on X, stating that negotiators will work toward aligning on project selection, legal frameworks, and long-term investments concerning Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits.
“This dialogue reflects the strategic interests of both nations and our shared commitment to building a strong, transparent partnership,” Svyrydenko wrote.
Deal Tied to US Support and Post-War Recovery
The deal has become central to Donald Trump’s strategy, who has reportedly made preferential US access to Ukraine’s rare earths a condition for continued American aid. Trump views the agreement as vital for both Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and the US’s economic and energy interests.
Trump has opposed the idea of international peacekeepers in Ukraine, instead proposing that US firms operating in resource extraction could serve as a deterrent to further Russian aggression.
Delegation Includes Key Ministries
The Ukrainian team includes officials from the ministries of Economy, Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Finance, indicating the seriousness of the negotiations. The proposed deal would not only cover rare earths, but also include access to oil and gas reserves, based on a broader draft presented by Washington in March.
An earlier version of the agreement fell apart after a tense meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February. Zelenskyy remains firm that previous US aid should not be treated as loans, and that Ukraine’s future lies with the European Union, not under conditional US arrangements.
Russia Stalls Ceasefire as Sanctions Bite
Meanwhile, the Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, reiterated that President Vladimir Putin supports a ceasefire in principle, but is concerned about its enforcement. Moscow continues to push for a partial truce in the Black Sea region, demanding that certain Western sanctions be lifted first.
Despite US efforts to mediate, Russia’s actions suggest a delay tactic, aiming to prolong conflict while benefiting from Ukraine’s distractions.
EU Urges Caution Amid Tense Diplomacy
Ukraine’s European allies have urged Washington to remain cautious of Russia’s stalling tactics, stressing the need for unified and strategic action that does not compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty or long-term integration goals.
As negotiations unfold in Washington, the minerals deal could define the next phase of US-Ukraine relations, blending geopolitical strategy with economic survival.