President Donald Trump has proposed negotiating a deal with Ukraine where Kyiv would guarantee the supply of rare earth metals, crucial elements used in electronics, in exchange for aid.
This idea was first suggested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last October as part of his “victory plan” to end the war with Russia.
The proposal could serve as a way for Ukraine to strengthen its economy and secure continued support, while also providing the U.S. with a more stable source of these vital resources.
“We’re telling Ukraine they have very valuable rare earths,” Trump said on Monday. “We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they’re going to secure what we’re giving them with their rare earths and other things.”
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump noted that Ukraine was open to the idea and stressed that he expects “equalization” from Ukraine in exchange for Washington’s nearly $300 billion in aid.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Trump’s demand for a quid pro quo, calling it “very selfish, very self-centred.” He argued that resources like rare earth metals would be better used for Ukraine’s reconstruction after the war, a view he shared following a meeting with fellow EU leaders in Brussels.
US shipments of weapons to Ukraine were temporarily halted in recent days before resuming over the weekend, as the Trump administration deliberated on its policy towards Kyiv, according to Reuters, citing four sources familiar with the matter.
The shipments resumed after the White House retracted its initial decision to cease all aid to Ukraine.