Trump Links U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine's Rare Earth Minerals

President Trump proposes access to Ukraine's valuable resources in exchange for continued defense support against Russian aggression.

U.S. President Donald Trump has conditioned future military and financial aid to Ukraine on access to Ukraine's rare earth mineral reserves.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed openness to the proposal, framing it as a fair exchange that supports Ukraine's defense efforts.
Ukraine holds significant reserves of rare earth elements critical for high-tech and defense industries, with an estimated value exceeding $26 trillion, though much remains untapped or in Russian-occupied territories.
Experts highlight potential benefits, including increased U.S. investments and reduced dependency on China for rare earth supplies, but warn of legal and constitutional challenges within Ukraine.
Critics argue that the deal risks undermining Ukraine's sovereignty over its natural resources, with some key deposits currently under Russian control or near conflict zones.