Zelensky told media that he's open to Trump's mineral partnership, offers a deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking a strategic partnership with the United States, offering access to Ukraine's extensive rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for continued financial and military support.

In an interview with Reuters on Feb. 7, Zelensky emphasized the strategic importance of Ukraine’s mineral wealth and highlighted the need for security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression.

The proposal aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in securing Ukraine's rare earths and critical minerals as part of continued aid to Kyiv. Zelensky clarified that Ukraine is not "giving away" its resources but seeking a mutually beneficial partnership.

"The Americans helped the most, and therefore the Americans should earn the most," he said, expressing hopes for direct talks with Trump. Zelensky also noted that Russia had detailed knowledge of Ukraine's mineral wealth from Soviet-era surveys.

Currently, less than 20% of Ukraine's mineral resources are under Russian occupation, including about half of its rare earth deposits. Zelensky warned that Russian allies, including North Korea and Iran, could exploit these resources, stressing the urgency of Western investment.

Ukraine holds Europe's largest reserves of titanium, crucial for aeronautics and space industries, as well as significant uranium deposits. Zelensky also proposed using Ukraine's underground gas storage facilities for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG), positioning Ukraine as a key European energy hub.

Zelensky plans to attend the Munich Security Conference from Feb. 14-16, where he hopes to meet Trump's special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. He stressed the importance of Ukraine's direct involvement in any U.S.-Russia discussions. "Otherwise, it will look like a dialogue about Ukraine without Ukraine," he said.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces have reportedly launched a new offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, advancing 2.5 kilometers. Zelensky also confirmed the return of thousands of North Korean troops fighting for Russia after a brief pause.

Russia has seized less than 20% of Ukraine's mineral resources - Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need to protect the country’s mineral resources, which remain largely intact despite Russian occupation, during an interview with Reuters.

Zelensky noted that while around 20% of Ukraine’s territory is under Russian control, the proportion of seized mineral resources is even smaller.

"If we consider that around 20% of our land has been occupied, they certainly haven’t seized 20% of our mineral resources. So far, it's less," Zelensky stated.

The president highlighted the strategic importance of safeguarding Ukraine's remaining resources, particularly in central and western regions, including the Dnipro area.

"We need to stop Putin and protect what we have. There are significant resources in the Dnipro region, central Ukraine, and the west. Unfortunately, we’ve lost coal, but I know they’ve also lost a lot because they didn’t know how to manage the mines and ended up flooding many of them," he said.

The statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in negotiating a deal with Ukraine for rare earth metals and other strategic resources in exchange for continued weapons supplies.

Russian rocket artillery strike injured three civilians and dmaged three houses in Kherson

On the morning of February 8, a Russian bombardment targeted residential areas in the city of Kherson, injuring three people, including an 11-year-old boy.

Roman Mrochko, Head of Kherson City Military Administration, reported that the attack occurred at 6:30 a.m., causing damage to several houses, one of which caught fire.

"Instead of an alarm clock, we got enemy multiple-launch rocket systems... The Ruscists struck residential areas at 06:30. Several houses have been damaged, one has caught fire. Three people have been injured, including an 11-year-old boy," Mrochko stated on Telegram.

The injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment, while authorities are addressing the aftermath of the attack.

A suspect in Bucha massacre becomes top official in Russian region

Nursultan Mussagaleyev, a former Russian army commander implicated in alleged war crimes during Russia's occupation of Bucha, has been appointed acting deputy minister for regional and information policy in Russia's Orenburg Oblast. The appointment was announced by Governor Denis Pasler on February 6 via Telegram.

As a former platoon commander in the 76th Airborne Assault Division, Mussagaleyev is accused by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) of participating in "purge operations" during Russia’s brutal occupation of Bucha in February and March 2022. These operations reportedly aimed to suppress resistance and intimidate civilians.

Bucha became a symbol of Russian war crimes following its liberation in April 2022 when mass graves were uncovered. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office documented over 1,400 civilian deaths in the Bucha District, including 637 in Bucha itself. Among the victims were 37 children, many executed and left on the streets or buried in mass graves.

Mussagaleyev was later decorated by Russia, receiving the "Hero of Russia" star and the "Military Distinction" medal. Russian state television praised his role in the invasion, airing a feature about him on Russia 1.

His appointment follows a pattern of Russian military personnel linked to war crimes being rewarded with prestigious roles in civilian administration.