Fri Feb 07 08:10:08 UTC 2025: ## Trump Proposes Trade of Ukrainian Rare Earths for US War Aid; Zelenskyy, Scholz Respond

**Kyiv/Washington D.C.** – Former US President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial deal: access to Ukraine’s valuable rare earth minerals in exchange for continued US military and financial aid. Trump, speaking at the White House on Monday, stated that the US has provided “close to” $375.8 billion in support to Ukraine and that he believes “equalization” is necessary. He suggested a deal securing US aid with access to Ukraine’s rare earth and other mineral resources.

This proposal has been met with sharp criticism. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the idea “very egotistic” and “very self-centred,” arguing that Ukraine will need its natural resources for post-war reconstruction. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy reports that the US has allocated €88.33 billion ($92 billion) to Ukraine since January 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he had initially suggested the idea of providing access to these resources to the US in September, framing it as an “important economic point” in his victory plan. He clarified that Ukraine is open to investment from allies assisting in the war effort.

The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, interpreted Trump’s comments as suggesting Ukraine should “purchase assistance,” potentially ending free aid and shifting to a commercial basis. Peskov even suggested that the US ceasing all aid would be preferable to such a trade.

Ukraine possesses significant mineral reserves, including rare earth elements crucial for high-tech industries. However, a significant portion of these resources are located in eastern Ukraine, currently under partial Russian control or in regions illegally annexed by Russia. The US, heavily reliant on China for rare earth minerals, sees Ukraine as a potential alternative source. The total value of Ukraine’s mineral resources has been estimated at $14.8 trillion.

The proposed deal highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the war in Ukraine and the growing global competition for critical minerals. The contrasting responses from Kyiv and Berlin underscore the differing perspectives on how best to utilize Ukraine’s resources during and after the conflict.

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