Ukrainian troops to Trump: No minerals without F-35s
4 Min Read
Ukrainian soldiers have voiced concerns about what Kiev would receive in return for its highly valuable minerals, which are crucial for emerging technology industries.
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Two F-35 Lightning fighter jets take off from the Beaufort US Marines Air Base in Beaufort, Savannah, South Carolina, on May 17, 2018 (Associated Press)
Ukrainian soldiers have stated that they want F-35 fighter jets in exchange for granting the United States access to the country's rare earth minerals.
Their remarks, made in interviews for Euromaidan Press, come amid ongoing negotiations between Washington and Kiev.
The skepticism expressed by Ukrainian soldiers regarding US-Ukraine relations follows recent tensions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, which preceded their decision to explore a minerals agreement.
The report highlighted that such a deal could help mend relations between Washington and Kiev while also strengthening Ukraine’s position in future peace negotiations with Russia.
Ukrainian soldiers have voiced concerns about what Kiev would receive in return for its highly valuable minerals, which are crucial for emerging technology industries.
Ivan, a soldier in Ukraine’s National Guard, told Euromaidan Press, "If Trump needs our minerals, let him take them if he provides us with F-35s."
"That would be enough to reclaim Donbas, hypothetically," he said, referring to the territory to the east of Ukraine, now controlled by Russia.
The F-35, produced by Lockheed Martin, is among the world's most advanced fighter jets, equipped with superior command and control, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
So far, the US has supplied Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, also made by Lockheed Martin, which were delivered in August 2024.
Volodymyr, an electronic warfare instructor in Ukraine’s Armed Forces, told Euromaidan Press, "Tell Trump and [US National Security Advisor Michael] Waltz that it's not Ukraine that owes something to the U.S, but the U.S. owes Ukraine for not fulfilling the agreements of the Budapest Memorandum."
This refers to the 1994 agreement between the US, Russia, and Ukraine, under which Kiev surrendered its nuclear arsenal to Moscow in exchange for security assurances and recognition of its sovereignty.
Other Ukrainian soldiers also expressed skepticism about the US commitment to securing a just peace deal with Russia that includes credible security guarantees.
These statements follow an agreement between Trump and Zelensky to meet on Friday to discuss the details of the rare earth minerals deal.
The US President has framed the agreement as a means of recovering US funds spent on supporting Ukraine. However, the deal does not include any security guarantees for Kiev.
Trump, who took office on January 20, has unsettled traditional US allies in Europe by strengthening ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, referring to Zelensky as a "dictator," and insisting that Kiev repay US financial aid.
On Thursday, Trump sought to distance himself from the "dictator" remark, stating that he has a good relationship with Zelensky.
Trump has said he expects Zelensky to sign the agreement later this week, while the Ukrainian President stated that a framework economic deal between the US and Ukraine had been reached, with further discussions scheduled for Friday.
Earlier this month, Zelensky rejected a rare earth minerals proposal presented by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Kiev, citing its lack of security guarantees as a key concern.
During his first Cabinet meeting at the White House on February 26, Trump commented on the rare earths deal, stating that "Zelensky is going to be coming on Friday, that's now confirmed, and we're going to be signing an agreement which will be a very big agreement."
A Ukrainian official told the Associated Press that the rare earth minerals agreement could be finalized on Friday.
Read more: Trump rules out Ukraine joining NATO, calls ties with Zelensky 'testy'
