Trump seeks to revise minerals deal with Ukraine - CBS News

Several sources stated that the agreement on Ukraine's rare earth minerals has not been finalized, and its terms may change.

According to a person familiar with the negotiations, US President Donald Trump is now pushing for a "bigger, better deal." The source spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity.

Officials from the administration also told CBS that as of Tuesday afternoon, there was no scheduled signing plan for Trump or his top advisors.

"Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote in a lengthy social media post on Tuesday. "My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership to get a peace that lasts."

Previously, Ukrainian officials had informed their American counterparts that they were prepared to sign a key mineral resources agreement just days after it was expected to be finalized on February 29 during Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House.

However, that plan was derailed by a heated dispute in the Oval Office between the Ukrainian leader, Trump, and US Vice President JD Vance.

Recently, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS News that the economic agreement is not currently on the table for signing.

Issues on signing minerals deal

The framework agreement between Ukraine and the United States includes the establishment of an investment fund under the joint management of both countries. Under the deal, Ukraine would contribute 50% of its revenue from mineral sales to the fund.

Ukraine is estimated to hold about 5% of the world’s total rare earth reserves. In comparison, the United States, despite being roughly 12 times larger in land area, possesses only 1-2% of global rare earth elements.

On March 4, Reuters reported that Ukraine and the US were expected to sign a revenue-sharing agreement on mineral extraction within hours. According to the agency, Trump could announce the deal during his address to Congress.

Meanwhile, Fox News reported that the White House denied media claims about an imminent signing of the mineral agreement with Ukraine.