On the benefits side, the gains may not be that great. There are a lot of unknowns about Ukrainian minerals. The U.N. says Ukraine holds 5% of the world’s rare earth minerals, including 22 of the 34 most critical for national security. But assessments of Ukrainian minerals are based on outdated Soviet-era data and models that may not be accurate.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said during a radio interview that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has done a complete “about-face” on the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal that was not signed after a heated meeting between the two delegations late last month.

After a heated meeting in the White House, both sides have signaled that they are still open to reaching an agreement.