Existing mapping of Kyiv’s potential was made during the Soviet era. Experts do not believe that the deposits are as large and viable as the White House anticipates

President Trump, who had insisted he wanted “payback” for past military aid to Kyiv, suggested President Volodymyr Zelensky would visit Washington this week to sign an agreement, which he called a “very big deal.

The potential deal between Trump and Zelensky would grant Washington partial access to Ukraine’s natural resources. It comes after days of pressure from Trump.