Kiev, Ukraine (AP) – Ukraine US President Donald Trump has offered to make an agreement to continue with US military aid In exchange for the development of Ukraine’s mineral industry, which can provide a valuable source of rare elements of the earth, which is essential for many types of technology.
Trump said Wanted such a bargain Earlier this month, and initially his proposal was proposed by Ukrainian President Wolodmeer Zelinsky as part of his plan to strengthen Kiev’s hand in the upcoming talks with Moscow.
In an exclusive interview with the Associate Press, “We really have the great potential in the area we control.” “We are interested in working, developing, With our partnershipsFirst, with the United States.
Take a look at how Ukraine’s extraordinary land industry and how a contract can be collected:
What are the rare elements of the earth?
Rare earth elements are a combination of 17 elements that are essential in many types of consumer technology, including cell phones, hard drives and electric and hybrid vehicles.
It is unclear whether Trump is looking for specific elements in Ukraine, including other minerals to offer.
“It can be lithium. It can be titanium, uranium, many others.” It’s a lot. “
China, Trump’s chief geographical political opponent, The world’s largest producer Of the elements of the rare earth. Both the United States and Europe have tried to reduce their dependence on Beijing.
For Ukraine, such a deal will ensure that its biggest and fruitful ally does not freeze military support, which will be disastrous for the country that will soon enter its fourth year. – War against the entire scale attack of Russia.
The idea comes at a time when reliable and uninterrupted access to important minerals is difficult to get globally.
What is the condition of the Ukrainian Minerals industry?
Ukraine’s rare land elements have not been used largely due to war and state policies that organize the mineral industry. The country also lacks good information to guide the development of rare land mining.
Geological data are thin because the mineral reserves are scattered in Ukraine, and current studies are largely considered inadequate. According to traders and analysts, the actual capacity of the industry has been put into the cloud with inadequate research.
In general, Ukrainian natural resources are promising. It is believed that aerospace, medical and automotive industries are an important component of the country’s country of titanium. Ukraine also has Lithium’s most leading reserves in Europe, which needs to produce batteries, ceramics and glasses.
In 2021, the Ukrainian mineral industry contributed 6.1 % of the country’s gross domestic products and 30 % of exports.
It is estimated that 40 % of Ukraine’s metal mineral resources are inaccessible due to Russian occupation, according to data from a think tank located in Kiev, V -Blood Ukraine. Ukraine has argued that it is in Trump’s interest to prepare the rest before arresting Russian progress.
The European Commission identified Ukraine as a potential supplier for more than 20 important raw materials and concluded that the country’s affiliation with the European Union could strengthen the European economy.
What happens next?
Details of any agreement will likely arise in meetings between the United States and the Ukrainian officials. Zlinski and Trump will probably discuss the topic when they meet.
According to Ukrainian business officials, US companies have expressed interest. But attacking the formal agreement will potentially require legislation, geological survey and discussion on specific terms.
It is unclear how even in the event of a ceasefire, what kind of security guarantee will be needed to take the risk of working in Ukraine? And no one certainly knows what kind of financial support agreements will be between Ukraine and US companies.
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Associated Press journalist Susi Billen participated in the report.
