On Monday, the European Union extended its own proposal to Ukraine regarding a partnership on "critical raw materials".

According to Politico, EU Commissioner for Industrial Policy Thierry Breton revealed that an alternative plan was presented to Ukrainian officials. The meeting took place in Kyiv during a European Commission visit marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Commissioner Breton explained that Ukraine could supply 21 out of 30 raw materials deemed critical for Europe, suggesting the formation of a "mutually beneficial partnership".

"Europe brings added value by never asking for deals that aren't mutually beneficial," he noted, alluding to former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Specifics of the EU's proposal have yet to be disclosed.

It's worth mentioning that in an earlier statement to Suspilne, European Council President António Costa affirmed that the EU would not demand natural resources from Ukraine in return for support.

"Over the past three years, the European Union has been a major donor in supporting Ukraine — not only for Ukrainians, but also for the broader security of Europe," he emphasized.

Mineral Resources Agreement with the U.S.

The EU’s proposal came amid talks about a resource deal between Ukraine and the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky first proposed granting access to rare-earth mineral extraction in Ukraine in exchange for military aid. This caught the attention of President Donald Trump, who demanded Ukraine repay $500 billion, which he claimed had already been spent by Washington in support of Ukraine.

Trump later indicated that Washington is very close to finalizing the agreement, which could be signed next week at the White House’s Oval Office, with President Zelensky expected to attend.

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