**Ukraine Open to Mining Rare Earths with Partners**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the country is open to mining rare earth minerals in cooperation with its partners. This comes after US President Donald Trump said that Washington was seeking Ukrainian rare earths in exchange for aid.
Zelensky made his statement on February 4 during a press briefing in Kyiv. He said, “We are open to the idea that mineral resources can be developed with our partners who help us protect our land and push the enemy back with their weapons, their presence, and sanctions packages.”
**Ukraine’s Peace Plan**
Zelensky’s 10-point peace plan, first presented in 2023, includes a clause on foreign investment in Ukraine’s mining industry. He noted that if Russia controls mineral resources on the international market, there is a possibility that companies from other countries, such as Iran or North Korea, will get involved.
**US Aid to Ukraine**
The US has provided over $91 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022, including over $62 billion worth of military assistance. Kyiv has indicative dates for the arrival of American officials and is currently working on its arrangement, according to Zelensky.
**Energy System Project**
Ukraine’s energy system project, funded by the Italian government, aims to make Ukraine’s energy system “more resilient and decentralized” in accordance with the “Build Back Better” principle.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com