Overview

• 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.