(The Epoch Times)—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that he is open to a deal granting the United States access to Ukraine’s vast rare earth and critical mineral deposits in exchange for continued military aid amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
“If we are talking about a deal, then let’s do a deal, we are only for it,” Zelenskyy told Reuters reporters in a Feb. 7 interview in Kyiv, stressing that Ukraine would require security guarantees from its allies as part of any agreement on supplies of critical minerals and rare earths.
Trump told reporters at the White House on Feb. 3 that he was looking to strike a deal with Zelenskyy on securing rare earths in return for continued financial support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Rare earth metals, a collection of 17 essential elements, play a key role in powering modern technology, from electric vehicle motors to missile guidance systems. With no practical substitutes, securing supply chains for these elements is a priority for Trump as he seeks to strengthen America’s manufacturing base.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Feb. 7, Trump said he plans to meet Zelenskyy next week, possibly in Washington, for talks about the long-running conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Trump said that the discussions will include asking Ukraine to supply its rare earths and other critical minerals in exchange for continued U.S. financial assistance that Kyiv needs to continue resisting Russia’s invasion.
In response, Zelenskyy said he hopes the talks lead to a lasting peace in Ukraine.
“The coming weeks may be very intensive in diplomacy, and we will do what’s needed to make this time effective and productive. We always appreciate working with President Trump,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X on Feb. 7. “Weʼre also planning meetings and talks at the teams’ level. Right now Ukrainian and American teams are working out the details. A solid, lasting peace shall become closer.”
Trump also said Friday that he plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the U.S. president’s efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. “It’s a ridiculous war,” Trump said, adding that he “would very much like to help” bring about peace in the region.
Zelenskyy’s openness to striking a deal with the United States comes as little surprise as his “victory plan“ includes an explicit offer to strategic partners for ”joint protection of the country’s critical resources,” along with an offer to extract and make use of these key elements.
In Kyiv, Zelenskyy told Reuters that around half of Ukraine’s rare earth deposits were under Russian occupation, with that figure dropping to less than 20 percent when counting all of the country’s vast mineral resources. Ukraine holds Europe’s largest titanium reserves, vital for aviation and space industries, and uranium, crucial for nuclear energy and weapons, he said.
“The Americans helped the most, and therefore the Americans should earn the most,” Zelenskyy said of U.S. military and other aid to Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. “And they should have this priority, and they will. I would also like to talk about this with President Trump.”
Trump said Friday that the United States has already committed more than $300 billion to Ukraine’s defense, while European contributions lag at approximately $100 billion.
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
