Kyiv, Feb 09 (V7N) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for foreign investment in Ukraine's mineral resources, following remarks by US President Donald Trump linking military aid to access to Ukraine's rare minerals.

"We have mineral resources. But that doesn't mean we will give them away for free to anyone, not even to strategic partners," Zelensky stated in a social media post, according to AFP.

Zelensky emphasized the need for mutual partnerships rather than unilateral resource deals. "This is a matter of complete mutual partnership. Invest. Let's develop it together and benefit," he added.

Earlier this week, President Trump declared that the United States seeks a deal with Ukraine that would guarantee Washington's military support in exchange for access to rare minerals and other natural resources. This proposal has sparked concerns over the commercialization of military alliances and the potential politicization of resource exploitation in conflict zones.

Ukraine holds significant deposits of rare earth elements critical for technology and defense industries, making them a point of strategic interest for global powers. The debate over their control comes amid ongoing Russian aggression and Ukraine's reliance on Western military and economic support.

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