Donald Trump wants Ukraine’s natural resources as “payback” for helping end Russia’s brutal invasion. His special envoy, retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, reveals the bold strategy. Trump is determined not to repeat past mistakes, especially like the Iraq War, where the U.S. got nothing in return for its efforts. This time, resources are key.
Ukraine’s mineral wealth
Kellogg made it clear: Ukraine has some of the world’s most valuable mineral deposits. “We’re not talking millions, we’re talking billions, even trillions,” he said. The U.S. is eyeing a deal that ties aid to a return of precious metals. Trump’s Treasury is already studying how to structure such a deal.
Zelensky supports a resource deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is on board. “If we are talking about a deal, let’s do a deal,” he said recently. Zelensky has hinted at the need for security guarantees from the U.S., perhaps NATO membership, or even nuclear rearmament. After all, Ukraine wants assurance that Russia won’t strike again.
A nation rich in resources
Ukraine is rich in natural resources, holding roughly 5% of the world’s mineral wealth. It’s home to huge deposits of titanium, uranium, iron, manganese, and lithium—critical materials for U.S. security. Trump’s team is looking to leverage these resources in any peace deal.
The U.S. learned a tough lesson from Iraq, according to Kellogg. “When we left Iraq, we didn’t secure oil contracts. All the sacrifices went to nothing,” he explained. This time, Trump wants a clear payoff for American support.
Trump’s growing interest
Trump’s interest in Ukraine’s resources is growing. On Friday, he told reporters he planned to meet Zelensky. “We would like them to equalize,” Trump said. He’s eager to end the “ridiculous” war, adding that Ukrainian cities are in worse shape than Gaza.
Titanium and lithium: The treasure trove
Ukraine’s titanium reserves are particularly valuable. It holds 7% of the world’s supply, the largest in Europe. Titanium is essential for aerospace, defense, medicine, and even jewelry. The U.S. has to buy its titanium from countries like China and Russia, which Trump sees as a problem.
Ukraine also sits on vast lithium reserves. This mineral is key for batteries, making it indispensable for technology. With an estimated 500,000 metric tons of lithium, Ukraine’s supply is huge, and it’s in high demand.
Most of Ukraine’s valuable resources are in areas beyond Russia’s reach. The rich Dnipro region in central Ukraine is a prime example. Zelensky has emphasized the need to protect it from Putin’s forces.
However, the Russian-occupied Donbas region does hold some mineral reserves. But experts believe these are mostly coal, not the rare earth minerals that some reports suggest are the real reason behind Russia’s invasion. “You wouldn’t go to war for coal,” said Gracelin Baskaran, director of the CSIS critical minerals program.
Energy and agriculture: Additional assets
Trump’s team might also target Ukraine’s energy sector. Ukraine has significant gas and energy deposits, which would reduce U.S. reliance on Russia and China. Alex Plitsas, a fellow at the Atlantic Council, notes that Ukraine’s fertile land and rich agricultural exports are another key asset.
However, the war must end before these resources can be fully tapped. “Ukraine has the most fertile soil in the world,” Plitsas said. “But it’s currently hampered by unexploded ordinance.”
The Munich Security Conference
Next week, Trump’s delegation will face a major test at the Munich Security Conference. Kellogg will join Vice President JD Vance in representing the U.S. They plan to meet with NATO leaders to discuss bringing an end to Europe’s largest and deadliest conflict since World War II.
Ukraine’s vast resources could play a pivotal role in any future peace settlement. Trump’s plan aims to secure American interests while helping Ukraine rebuild. The world will be watching closely as these talks unfold.
