President Donald Trump proposed on Monday that Ukraine compensate the United States for its substantial financial support in the ongoing conflict with Russia by supplying rare earth minerals, a critical resource for advanced technologies.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump emphasized the potential for an “equalisation” deal, referencing the nearly $300 billion in aid the United States has provided to Ukraine. “We’re telling Ukraine they have very valuable rare earths,” Trump stated. “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.”
The proposal highlights the strategic importance of rare earth minerals, a group of 17 metals essential for manufacturing electronics, electric vehicles, and other high-tech products. These minerals are crucial for power generation and motion technologies, with no known substitutes.
While Trump did not specify exactly which minerals he was referencing, Ukraine does possess significant deposits of uranium, lithium, and titanium. However, the country is not considered a top-five global producer of these resources.
The United States currently has limited rare earth mineral production, with only one operating mine and minimal processing capacity. In contrast, China dominates the global market for these critical minerals.
The US Geological Survey identifies 50 minerals as critical for the country’s economic and national defense interests, including various rare earths, nickel, and lithium.
The feasibility and potential diplomatic implications of Trump’s proposed mineral-for-aid exchange remain unclear, and further details have not been provided.
