U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a new deal with Ukraine that could reshape the way the U.S. provides military aid.
In exchange for billions of dollars in military support, Trump is asking Ukraine for access to its rare earth and critical minerals, which are vital for global technology and military production.
The idea isn’t entirely new. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously suggested a similar concept, hoping to leverage Trump’s dealmaker approach to ensure continued U.S. military backing.
Trump, speaking to reporters, confirmed that the U.S. is interested in securing access to these valuable resources, adding, “I want security of the rare earth, and they’re willing to do it.”
Ukraine is home to abundant reserves of rare earth minerals, including lithium, gallium, and neodymium.
These elements are essential for manufacturing everything from electric vehicle batteries to solar panels and military equipment.
As demand for these materials grows, the U.S. and other nations, including China, are increasingly interested in securing reliable sources.
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Trump’s comments came as Ukraine anxiously awaited details of his plan to end the ongoing war with Russia.
While specifics remain scarce, Trump has expressed frustration over European countries’ contributions to the conflict, emphasizing that the U.S. has provided $175 billion in assistance to Kyiv, making it Ukraine’s largest donor.
At the same time, the president reiterated his long-standing position to bring an end to what he described as a “ridiculous war.”
While the U.S. is eager to secure Ukraine’s critical minerals, the offer has raised concerns in Ukraine, with officials warning that any deal must ensure the protection of these resources from Russian control.
Zelenskyy, welcoming Trump’s comments, stressed that Ukraine remains open to investment from American companies but underscored the need to safeguard the nation’s resources.
