Zelenskyy responds to Trump's statements regarding rare earth metals in Ukraine
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (GettyImages)
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, is interested in rare earth metals found in Ukraine's subsoil. Ukraine is open to American investments, this was the response of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to a question from an RBC-Ukraine correspondent during a press conference with the head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi.
The RBC-Ukraine correspondent asked Zelenskyy how he views cooperation with Trump regarding the use of rare earth metals.
The president replied that, indeed, one of the points of Ukraine's victory plan was attracting foreign investments into the country's economy.
"We have enough rare earth metals, and you can see that Russia has been occupying our territories since 2014. Part of these territories indeed has large deposits of minerals. We are open to having our partners, who help us defend the land, develop these resources. They push the enemy back with their weapons, presence, and sanctions. And this is absolutely fair," Zelenskyy noted.
He also reminded that back in September, he discussed with Trump the possibility of American investments in Ukraine.
"We are open to American companies investing in Ukraine – and with pleasure. Why? Because if Russia controls this area, other countries and companies will step in. I’m sure among them will be Iran and North Korea. I spoke about this with him – these are the facts. I would like American businesses, which are very interested in entering the Ukrainian market, to develop this direction with us," the president added.
Ukraine's rare earth metals
Recently, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States could continue its aid to Ukraine in exchange for Ukrainian rare earth metals. He also mentioned that Washington is working on guarantees for Ukraine.
It is worth recalling that earlier, Zelenskyy stated that these resources are strategically valuable and could strengthen Ukraine. Specifically, within the victory plan, one of the points proposed by Ukraine was to sign an agreement with the US and other Western allies to protect these critical resources, jointly invest in them, and utilize their economic potential.
