Trump Seeks Rare Earth Deal with Ukraine in Exchange for Military Aid

US President Donald Trump proposes tying further aid for Ukraine to access to its critical mineral resources, sparking international criticism.

Donald Trump has suggested a deal where Ukraine would provide rare earth minerals to the US in return for continued military assistance against Russia.
The Ukrainian government has not officially confirmed its stance but has previously indicated openness to leveraging its mineral resources for international support.
Rare earths, critical for modern technologies, are found in significant quantities in Ukraine, though many deposits are located in Russian-occupied regions.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the proposal, arguing that Ukraine's resources should be preserved for post-war reconstruction rather than foreign deals.
The US remains Ukraine's largest supporter, but Trump's approach signals a shift toward conditional aid, raising concerns about the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and recovery.