The United States and Ukraine are gearing up to ink a groundbreaking minerals deal, sources told Reuters on March 5, 2025, following a fiery Oval Office showdown between U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The agreement, originally slated for last week, was derailed by the public spat on February 28, but Trump is now reportedly telling advisors to push it through by Tuesday evening, signaling a potential thaw in tensions.
That White House meeting turned heads worldwide, with Trump and Zelenskyy trading sharp barbs in a clash that ended abruptly, exposing raw nerves over U.S. aid to Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia. Trump rejected the deal on the spot, demanding Ukraine “give something in return” for continued support, while Zelenskyy later signaled he’d still sign if the U.S. moved forward. The drama made headlines, but it seems both sides are now ready to bury the hatchet—at least on this front.
The proposed deal doesn’t include explicit security guarantees for Ukraine but opens the door for the U.S. to tap into Ukraine’s vast natural resources, potentially worth $11.5 trillion. It would give Washington access to revenues from Ukraine’s state-owned minerals, with Kyiv kicking in 50% of future profits to a joint U.S.-Ukraine reconstruction fund. For the U.S., it’s a goldmine—literally—offering a chance to boost manufacturing, tech independence, and counter China’s dominance in critical minerals, especially as Trump ramps up trade wars. For Ukraine, it’s a lifeline to rebuild while leaning on U.S. economic support, even without new military promises.
