Can Ukraine’s Mineral Deal with the U.S. Help Win the War?

 Ukraine was in deep trouble in 2024. They were running out of money, the war lasted way longer than anybody anticipated and they desperately needed serious help—and fast. It wasn’t just about weapons but also tools to dig up buried minerals and cash. What they needed most was the U.S. on their side.

Zelenskyy knew a good opportunity when he saw it. Asking for help wasn’t enough anymore, so he tried something smarter. He went to Trump’s team with a deal: let’s work together. Your companies help us mine. You get access to rare stuff like lithium. You keep your tech, your investment, and get jobs. You win—we survive.

This wasn’t a giveaway. Ukraine kept control. U.S. companies could invest, but Ukraine would still get its fair share of the profits. This was a business deal, not a handout.

For Trump, it was perfect. He could spin it as a win: we helped Ukraine and got something real in return. It sounded strong, profitable—the kind of deal only he could pull off.

Shortly after, U.S. military aid started flowing again.

It wasn’t about kindness. It was survival. Strategy. Ukraine played it right, and for now, they were still in the game.