U.S. says minerals deal with Ukraine could serve as post-war security for Kyiv

The U.S. and Ukraine are working toward a minerals deal that could serve as a post-war security shield for Kyiv.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian President President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the potential agreement in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Bessent said the deal would provide Ukraine with long-term security, while Zelenskyy expressed hope that negotiations could be finalized later this week.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly promoted the idea of trading U.S. aid for Ukraine's critical minerals, as part of his push to secure 500 billion dollars worth of rare earth minerals from Ukraine.

Bessent is the first cabinet-level official from the Trump administration to visit Ukraine.