A look at Ukraine's minerals and rare earth elements, which Trump wants as payback for wartime aid

Exactly three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion and under pressure from President Trump, a senior Ukrainian official said negotiations over a deal that would give Washington access to Ukraine's vast mineral reserves were "in the final stages." 

Ukraine's leaders have voiced hope that such an agreement might serve as the foundation of a long-term security guarantee for the country against any future Russian aggression, but the Trump administration has thus far remained non-committal, framing access to the resources as a way for Ukraine to pay the U.S. back for its support over the last three years.

"The negotiations have been very constructive, with nearly all key details finalized," Olga Stefanishka, Ukraine's Vice President for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, said in a Monday social media post, written in English. "We are committed to completing this swiftly to proceed with its signature. We hope both US and UA leaders might sign and endorse it in Washington the soonest to showcase our commitment for decades to come."