The minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine, which collapsed following Friday’s tense Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, may now be back on track.
According to a new report from Reuters, citing four sources familiar with the matter, the agreement could be signed as early as Tuesday.
Three of the sources revealed that Trump has expressed his desire to announce the deal during his Tuesday night address to Congress. However, they cautioned that the agreement has not yet been finalized, and the situation remains fluid.
Since Friday, U.S. officials have reportedly been in discussions with their Ukrainian counterparts in an attempt to salvage the deal. According to one source, American representatives have urged Zelensky’s advisors to convince him to offer a public apology to Trump in order to move forward.
The deal, which involves a significant partnership between the two nations regarding rare earth minerals, was originally scheduled to be signed at the White House on Friday.
However, the meeting between Trump and Zelensky quickly unraveled when the Ukrainian leader insisted on security guarantees from the United States in exchange for his signature. His demand reportedly angered Trump, and the Ukrainian delegation was asked to leave the White House.
Following the chaotic meeting, Trump took to social media to address the situation, offering his perspective on the events that transpired.
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” Trump wrote.
Zelensky, however, appeared to soften his stance over the weekend, signaling Ukraine’s willingness to move forward with the minerals deal.
“We are ready to sign the minerals agreement,” Zelensky stated. “It will be the first step toward security guarantees. But it’s not enough, and we need more than just that. A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine. We’ve been fighting for three years, and the Ukrainian people need to know that America is on our side.”
The potential agreement holds significant strategic importance. Ukraine is home to vast reserves of rare earth minerals, which are essential for high-tech industries, including defense, electronics, and renewable energy.
Securing access to these resources would be a major win for the U.S., reducing its reliance on China, which currently dominates the global rare earth supply chain.
For Ukraine, the deal represents both an economic lifeline and a symbolic step toward stronger ties with the United States. The ongoing war with Russia has devastated the country’s economy, and access to American investment and support could be crucial for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
Despite Zelensky’s willingness to sign the agreement, lingering tensions from Friday’s meeting remain a potential obstacle. Trump has reportedly told advisors that he is unwilling to move forward unless he feels that Ukraine is demonstrating good faith in negotiations. Sources indicate that his demand for an apology stems from his belief that Zelensky was disrespectful during their meeting.
Additionally, some analysts believe that Trump may be leveraging the minerals deal as a way to pressure Ukraine into making broader concessions, including a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia.
Zelensky has long pushed for stronger security assurances from the U.S., but Trump’s administration has been hesitant to make any commitments beyond military aid.
This is a developing story. Please refresh for updates.