KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine is seeking to partner with allied nations on extensive postwar initiatives valued at billions of dollars that extend beyond the extraction of rare earth elements, aiming to encompass the energy and construction sectors, according to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha’s remarks on Wednesday.
In response to President Donald Trump’s comments from Monday, suggesting he desired access to Ukraine’s valuable rare earth resources as a prerequisite for ongoing support in the conflict against Russia, Sybiha emphasized the importance of collaboration on a broader scale. Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns that Russia is intent on seizing Ukraine’s abundant natural resources.
During a news conference with U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Sybiha outlined that Kyiv intends to provide assurances regarding the engagement of major corporations in Ukraine, alongside the interests of its closest allies, particularly the United States, in the development and protection of these resources.
However, he stressed that the cooperation should extend beyond just rare earth materials. Sybiha highlighted Ukraine’s significant potential to enhance energy security in Europe by procuring liquefied natural gas from the U.S. and utilizing its extensive underground storage facilities for distribution.
He further articulated the shared interest between Ukrainian and American businesses in the postwar rebuilding of Ukraine, which is projected to require over $400 billion. Sybiha described this as one of the largest undertakings of the century and a major opportunity for allied nations.
In a separate interview aired on Tuesday night, President Zelenskyy revealed that the conflict has resulted in the loss of approximately 45,100 Ukrainian troops, with injuries affecting nearly 390,000 personnel. In December, he had reported a death toll of around 43,000 and 370,000 wounded.
Zelenskyy also warned that any cessation of critical military aid from the U.S. could hinder European backing for Ukraine. He remarked, “Without a doubt, we cannot do without this kind of (Western) support.”
Furthermore, Zelenskyy asserted that the United States must be involved in any Western troop deployment that aims to secure a peace agreement with Russia and prevent further invasions. He emphasized that relying solely on European forces would be insufficient, stating, “This is not just a matter of numbers; it is about sharing responsibility and ensuring security guarantees.”
As the conflict continues, Ukrainian military forces are reportedly losing ground, particularly in the east, where they are being pressured by Russian advances. The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that its troops had taken control of Baranivka in the eastern Donetsk region and Novomlynsk in the northeastern Kharkiv region.
The acquisition of Baranivka is part of Russia’s strategy to encircle Pokrovsk, a critical transportation hub, while the seizure of Novomlynsk aids its campaign toward Kupiansk, another vital railway juncture. In reaction, Ukraine has been targeting Russian military supply lines and rear positions to disrupt their progress.
On the operational front, Ukraine’s General Staff reported on Wednesday that its forces had targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region, igniting a fire at the facility.
Local authorities confirmed that debris from a downed Ukrainian drone impacted an oil tank at a depot in Novominskaya, sparking a fire that was extinguished shortly thereafter, with no reported injuries, according to emergency officials.
