Volodymyr Zelenskiy is using Ukraine’s critical minerals to attract investment from allies as part of a broader engagement strategy. Credit: RHJPhtotos/Shutterstock.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy used a recent interview to reveal a strategic initiative to harness Ukraine’s vast deposits of rare earth minerals, reported Reuters.

This move is aimed at piquing US President Donald Trump’s interest in a deal that could support Ukraine’s efforts against Russian aggression.

Zelenskiy’s move is part of Ukraine’s broader plan to engage allies through investment opportunities in its critical mineral reserves.

President Zelenskiy, during the interview with Reuters, showcased a previously classified map and highlighted that less than 20% of Ukraine’s mineral resources are under Russian control, which includes approximately half of the country’s rare earth deposits.

These materials are crucial for various industries including electronics and aerospace.

Zelenskiy expressed concern over the possibility of Russia granting access to these resources to nations such as North Korea and Iran, both adversaries of the US.

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He mentioned that detailed knowledge of Ukraine’s critical resources, based on Soviet-era geological surveys, is already in Russia’s possession.

“We need to stop Putin and protect what we have – a very rich Dnipro region, central Ukraine,” Zelenskiy said.

Zelenskiy pointed out that Ukraine possesses the “largest” reserves of titanium in Europe, critical for aviation and space sectors, and uranium, which is essential for nuclear energy and weaponry.

His strategy is not to cede control of these resources but to propose a mutually advantageous partnership for their development.

Discussions are also under way with the White House over utilising Ukraine’s extensive underground gas storage facilities for US liquefied natural gas.

This development precedes the Munich Security Conference on 14–16 February, where Zelenskiy plans to meet with Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. The Ukrainian president stressed the importance of meeting Trump in person ahead of any discussions between the US and Russian President Vladimir Putin.