KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine is seeking to partner with countries on extensive postwar initiatives valued in the billions. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that this collaboration will extend beyond just mining rare earth elements and will also encompass the energy and construction sectors, playing a vital role in the nation’s recovery efforts.
Sybiha’s remarks came in response to comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that access to Ukraine’s rich rare earth resources should be a condition for continued American support in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns that Russia is aiming to exploit the country’s abundant natural resources.
During a news conference alongside U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine is prepared to provide “guarantees for the presence of major companies within Ukraine” to protect and develop its rare earth deposits, particularly with the interests of allies such as the United States in mind.
Moreover, Sybiha highlighted that cooperation should not be confined to rare earth materials alone. He pointed out that Ukraine possesses significant potential to enhance energy security in Europe by procuring liquefied natural gas from the United States and utilizing its extensive underground storage facilities for distribution.
The minister noted a considerable interest from both Ukrainian and American businesses in the ambitious postwar reconstruction of Ukraine, which is projected to exceed $400 billion. He labeled this effort as “one of the largest projects of this century” and a substantial opportunity for U.S. and allied support.
In a separate interview aired recently, President Zelenskyy conveyed the heavy toll of the ongoing conflict, stating that approximately 45,100 Ukrainian troops have lost their lives, with nearly 390,000 wounded. Just a month prior, he estimated the losses at around 43,000 troops, with 370,000 injuries reported.
Zelenskyy warned that any cessation of critical U.S. military assistance could undermine European support as well. “There’s no question that we cannot proceed without this kind of Western backing,” he asserted during his conversation.
Currently, Ukrainian forces are facing challenges in retaining ground, particularly in the eastern regions where Russian advancements are forcing them back. On Wednesday, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed control over the villages of Baranivka in Donetsk and Novomlynsk in Kharkiv, strategic areas that could threaten broader defensive positions.
The capture of Baranivka is particularly concerning as it is central to Russia’s strategy to encircle Pokrovsk, a vital transportation hub. Meanwhile, the advancement toward Kupiansk—another significant railway junction—is highlighted by the seizure of Novomlynsk. In response, Ukrainian forces are actively targeting Russian military supply lines and rear areas to impede the advancing troops.
On the offensive, the Ukrainian Army General Staff reported striking an oil refinery in the Krasnodar region of Russia overnight, resulting in a fire at the facility. This refinery is crucial for supplying fuel to the Russian military. Following this incident, local governor Veniamin Kondratyev asserted that remnants of a downed drone had caused damage to an oil tank at a depot in Novominskaya, also igniting a fire that was contained with no injuries reported.
Through these series of developments, Ukraine continues to strive for international partnerships, showcasing its resilience amid the ongoing conflict.
