Russia has proposed a surprising deal to the United States that could allow the U.S. to profit from rare earth minerals and valuable metals in parts of Ukraine that Russian forces currently control. According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, Russian officials suggested this offer during a recent meeting with U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia. The deal could involve resources in regions like Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, which Russia claimed as its own in 2022 after invading Ukraine.
The Russian government has hinted that the U.S. could get partial ownership of these resources if an agreement is reached. While the U.S. has not committed to such a deal, it has also not rejected the proposal outright. One former diplomat explained that Russia understands how the U.S. operates and believes that offering financial benefits could make the deal appealing.
Trump’s Interest in Ukraine’s Natural Resources
The Trump administration has previously expressed interest in Ukraine’s mineral wealth. During earlier discussions, U.S. officials had already proposed an agreement where Ukraine would share profits from its resources with strategic partners. However, Ukraine’s leadership was hesitant about such a deal. Reports indicate that President Donald Trump had pushed for Ukraine to give the U.S. $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals, suggesting an equal split between the two countries.
Now, with Russia stepping in and making a direct offer, Trump has shown openness to negotiations. He recently told reporters that his administration is looking into economic development deals with Russia, noting that the country has vast reserves of critical minerals. According to him, such agreements could play a role in achieving global peace. He also hinted that talks with Ukrainian officials about a similar deal were ongoing and that a meeting with Ukraine’s leader was expected soon.
Brutal Theft: Russia Seizes Ukraine’s $350 Billion Mineral Wealth
The Hidden Challenges Behind the Deal
Though the proposal may seem financially attractive, there are serious challenges to consider. Much of Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits lie in areas currently controlled by Russian forces or areas threatened by war. Reports suggest that Russian oligarchs are already extracting and profiting from some of these resources. Even if the U.S. were to gain partial control over these minerals, operating in a conflict zone would be highly difficult.
Another major concern is the presence of landmines. A security expert recently warned that as much as 156,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian land is contaminated with explosives due to the ongoing war. Extracting minerals from such areas would require extensive demining efforts, which would be costly and time-consuming. Without a proper plan for removing these hazards, any mining operations could be extremely dangerous.
Russia’s offer is also seen as part of its broader strategy to hold onto the Ukrainian territories it has occupied. By tying economic benefits to a peace deal, Russia could be seeking recognition of its control over these regions. If the U.S. were to accept such a deal, it might indirectly legitimize Russia’s territorial claims, a move that could have serious political consequences.
For now, discussions are ongoing, and the world is watching closely to see how the U.S. will respond to this unexpected proposal from Russia.
