“We’re Signing It Very Shortly”: Trump Confirms Rare Earth Deal With Ukraine Amid Ceasefire Hopes

As US ramps up critical mineral production, Trump says deal with Ukraine marks ‘strategic shift’ toward peace and global independence from China

Washington DC, March 21 — US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a rare earth mineral agreement with Ukraine will be signed “very shortly,” calling it a crucial step in reshaping global supply chains and moving closer to a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“They have tremendous value in rare earth minerals. We appreciate that… We would love to see this come to an end, and I believe we’ll get it done,” Trump said, referring to his recent phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The announcement came moments after Trump signed an executive order aimed at boosting domestic production of critical minerals and rare earth elements, which he called “a big thing for this country.” The deal with Ukraine, he emphasized, is part of a broader global strategy to reduce reliance on China, which currently dominates the rare earth refining process despite not holding the largest reserves.

“We’re signing agreements in various places to unlock rare earths and minerals, but in particular, Ukraine,” Trump told reporters.

The World Economic Forum notes that the United States, India, and Germany are among the world’s top importers of critical minerals, while exports have surged from countries like Chile, Switzerland, and Australia.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added that while the mineral deal serves as an important foundation, the administration has now shifted its focus toward securing a “long-term peace agreement” in Eastern Europe. “The minerals deal was the first framework. We’re now fully focused on brokering peace,” she said.

Trump also signed a proclamation commemorating the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s ‘Give me liberty or give me death’ speech, saying the historic moment reflects America’s enduring fight for freedom and strength in global leadership.

The Ukraine mineral agreement could mark a significant geopolitical move — both as a supply-chain solution and a symbolic step toward de-escalation in one of the world’s most critical conflicts.