Ukraine’s mineral wealth has been a key factor in its negotiations with the U.S. as the two countries work out details for a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine’s war with Russia. After a rocky start to those negotiations,

Critical minerals are in demand around the world for military, technological and other uses. A geoscientist shares what’s known about Ukraine’s reserves, which could help the country recover from war

On the benefits side, the gains may not be that great. There are a lot of unknowns about Ukrainian minerals. The U.N. says Ukraine holds 5% of the world’s rare earth minerals, including 22 of the 34 most critical for national security. But assessments of Ukrainian minerals are based on outdated Soviet-era data and models that may not be accurate.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine is ready to sign a framework agreement with the United States on minerals. Source: Zelenskyy during a conversation with journalists on the results of talks between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia,

The United States will not see the minerals deal as a security guarantee for Ukraine. But it will give the United States an interest in protecting Ukraine, says Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to The Guardian.