Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he’s willing to “do a deal” with Donald Trump which would see Kyiv supply the US with rare earths and other minerals
in return for financially supporting its war effort.

Trump, whose administration is pressing for a quick end to Ukraine’s war with Russia, floated the idea on Monday.

“If we are talking about a deal, then let’s do a deal, we
are only for it,” Zelenskyy told Reuters, emphasising Kyiv’s desire for
security guarantees from its allies as part of any peace settlement. 

Ukraine’s leader displayed a map showing numerous mineral deposits,
including a strip of land in eastern Ukraine marked as containing
rare earths, around half of which appeared to be on Russia’s side of the frontline.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had Europe’s largest reserves of titanium,
essential for the aviation and space industry, and uranium, used
for nuclear energy and weapons. 

Many of the titanium deposits were marked in northwestern
Ukraine, far from the fighting. 

“The Americans helped the most, and therefore the Americans
should earn the most,” he added.

“And they should have this priority, and
they will. I would also like to talk about this with President
Trump.”

The Ukrainian leader said it was essential that he met Trump
in person before the US president meets Russian President
Vladimir Putin, “otherwise it will look like a dialogue about
Ukraine without Ukraine”.