Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed a willingness to supply rare earths and other minerals to the United States in return for continued military aid.

Zelenskyy said in an interview with Reuters news agency on Friday, "If we are talking about a deal, then let's do a deal, we are only for it."

US President Donald Trump suggested such a deal on Monday.

Zelenskyy said about half of Ukraine's rare earth deposits are under Russian occupation. He stressed the need to prevent further Russian advances to protect his country's mineral resources.

Trump said on Friday he expects to meet with Zelenskyy as early as next week. He added he will probably also talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskyy said it is essential for him to speak to Trump in person before the US leader meets Putin.