Trump seeks $500B in rare earths from Ukraine in exchange for continued support

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – US President Donald Trump demanded that Ukraine provide $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals in return for continued American support, emphasizing that aid should not be unconditional.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News late Monday, Trump said Washington has spent "hundreds of billions" to support Kyiv against Russia’s invasion and should receive compensation in return.

“I told them (Ukraine) that I want the equivalent like $500 billion worth of rare earth,” he recalled, adding: “And they've essentially agreed to do that so at least we don’t feel stupid.”

Ukraine possesses significant reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, titanium, and uranium, which are essential for advanced technologies.

Much of these resources, however, are located in areas currently occupied by Russian forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously suggested that US involvement in Ukraine’s natural resource sector could help maintain American backing.

“The Americans helped the most, and therefore the Americans should earn the most,” he stated.

Trump’s stance has drawn criticism, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemning the approach as "very egotistic, very self-centered."