More than 50 per cent of Ukraine’s critical rare earth mineral resources are in regions illegally annexed by Vladimir Putin and partially occupied by his forces

A draft deal between the United States and Ukraine over rare earth minerals and other natural resources is “not the one President Zelensky would accept,” according to a source familiar with the negotiations.

The progress in talks comes after President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traded sharp rhetoric about their differences over the matter.

President Trump on Friday said his administration is close to finalizing a deal with Ukraine to access its natural resources as its war with Russia continues.

President Donald Trump said on Friday he expects Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to sign a minerals agreement with the United States soon as part of efforts to end the Ukraine war. "We're signing an agreement,

I think Ukrainians are more worried than ever about the pressure they’re being put under and now, of course, supporters of President Trump - apologists for the way he works - say that he throws out verbal gambits to make people drop long-held positions to make a deal.