The United States is on the verge of finalizing a deal on rare minerals with Ukraine, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday.
Speaking at a morning gaggle at the White House, Leavitt emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, describing it as a top priority for President Donald Trump.
“The critical minerals deal and the rare steel, as President Trump said, is absolutely pivotal,” she said. “We’re very close to the finish line in getting that deal done.”
Leavitt also confirmed that Trump had invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit the White House for the signing.
“The president said yesterday he’ll welcome Zelenskyy to the White House to sign it or to visit—if that’s what Zelenskyy wants to do.”
Pressed on the progress of negotiations, Leavitt said she planned to check in with the National Security Council to assess the latest status. “But that’s where it stood when I spoke with them last night,” she said.
Ukraine holds significant reserves of critical minerals, including lithium and titanium, as well as substantial coal, gas, oil, and uranium deposits—resources valued in the billions. A potential agreement between Washington and Kyiv could have far-reaching implications for global supply chains and energy security, particularly as Western nations seek to reduce reliance on China for rare materials.
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