As Washington continues to pressure President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a draft deal involving over $500 billion worth of materials like aluminum, gallium, and titanium, the European Union is looking to enhance its access to Ukraine's minerals.
The EU commissioner for prosperity and industrial strategy, during a visit to Kyiv, committed to accelerating the bloc's partnership with Ukraine regarding the supply of minerals. The EU aims to build upon a 2021 memorandum of understanding with Ukraine focused on mutual benefits.
Ukraine is poised to supply 21 out of the 30 minerals needed by the EU under this expanded arrangement, as confirmed by the commissioner.
The EU emphasized that its intentions are about cooperation with Ukraine, not competition with the US, as negotiations between Ukraine and the US on a draft proposal are reportedly in the final stages.
Last year, the Biden administration had prepared a similar draft memorandum of understanding with the European Union, which included commitments to investing in Ukraine's mining projects.
US President Donald Trump has recently expressed interest in securing access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals, suggesting that such access could be a form of payment for future US military support.
