Mapped: Where are Ukraine's rare earth mineral resources and why does Trump want them? - More than 50 per cent of Ukraine’s critical rare earth mineral resources are in regions illegally annexed by Vl

"We are open to the idea that mineral resources can be developed with our partners who help us protect our land," Volodymyr Zelensky said.

President Donald Trump is angling for Ukraine's rare earths as a trade-off for support against Russia, proving that in the high-stakes game of war, even minerals can become the new currency of diplomacy.