US-Ukraine historic agreement: Rare earth minerals deal sealed, Trump said- 'Ukraine war will end soon'

Washington/Kiev, May 1, 2025: After long and tense negotiations, the US and Ukraine have signed a historic agreement that will promote US investment in the exploitation of Ukraine's rare earth minerals. The agreement is part of US President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump described the deal as a "big step towards peace" and said that "Ukraine and Russia can soon get closer to a peace agreement." Let's look at the facts of this agreement and its implications.

Details of the agreement

The agreement came after technical level talks held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 23-25 ​​March 2025. According to the White House, the deal includes the following key points:

1. Security in the Black Sea: The US and Ukraine agreed to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes, and prohibit the use of force.
2. Release of prisoners of war: Both countries are committed to the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian prisoners, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
3. Stop attacks on energy infrastructure: The agreement provides for a stop to attacks on the energy infrastructure of Russia and Ukraine, which have been extensively affected during the war.
4. Rare earth minerals: There was an agreement to promote US investment in Ukraine's mineral resources, especially rare earth minerals. The deal gives the US access to Ukraine's mineral wealth, which is being seen in exchange for military assistance given for the war

Trump's statement

After the agreement, Trump told reporters at the White House, "This is a historic step. We want peace between Ukraine and Russia, where 5,000 people are dying every week. I think we are very close." He also said that talks between his special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow were "extremely positive". Trump wrote on X, "We have reached agreement on most of the major points. Now Russia and Ukraine should finalize it at a high level."

However, Trump warned that if Russia or Ukraine made the peace process "difficult", the US could withdraw from the talks. He said, "If any party obstructs, we will say you are stupid, and we will break away from it."

Zelensky's reaction

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the agreement, but conditionally. He wrote on X, "We are grateful for the support of the US. This agreement is a step towards peace, but we need a complete and unconditional ceasefire." Zelensky told the BBC that if there is a "complete ceasefire", negotiations on regional issues like Crimea are possible. However, he made it clear that Ukraine refuses to recognize Crimea as part of Russia.

Zelensky also said that the agreement is on Trump's desk, and it should respect Ukraine's sovereignty and constitution. He said in a press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, "Our team has prepared this proposal in collaboration with the US and European countries."

Background and controversy of the agreement

This agreement comes after a strained relationship between Trump and Zelensky. In a meeting held at the White House in February 2025, Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance accused Zelensky of "not valuing American support". During this time the signing of the minerals deal was canceled. Trump pressured Ukraine to give up Crimea, which Zelensky rejected. Trump said in an interview to Time magazine, "Crimea will remain with Russia," to which Zelensky acknowledged that it is difficult to take back control of Crimea due to the current arms shortage.

European allies raised concerns over the deal, as it is largely based on negotiations between the US and Russia. British PM Keir Starmer said, "Security guarantees are necessary in a peace agreement."

Reaction on social media

There are mixed reactions to this agreement on Twitter. One user wrote, "Peace is possible with Trump's deal, but Ukraine may have to lose a lot." Another said, "This is America's mineral loot, Ukraine should be careful." Indian users called it a diplomatic victory for Trump, but some termed it as "bowing down to Putin."

Impact and future

This agreement is economically and strategically important for Ukraine, as rare earth minerals are essential for global technology and defense industries. However, the pressure to recognize Russia's occupation of Crimea and other regions remains a challenge for Ukraine.

Experts believe that this deal reflects Trump's "America First" policy, where the emphasis is on economic benefits in exchange for help to Ukraine. If it succeeds in the direction of peace, then it could be Trump's biggest diplomatic victory.