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Trump Wants Ukraine's Rare Earths in Exchange for Aid
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Above: US Pres. Donald Trump speaks to the press in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 3, 2025, in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US Pres. Donald Trump said Monday that he wants to strike a deal to access Ukraine's rare earths in exchange for continued US military aid.
Speaking to reporters from the Oval Office, Trump said: "We're looking to make a deal with Ukraine where they will secure what we're providing them with their rare earth materials and other resources."
He added that Ukraine — which contains large deposits of uranium, lithium, and titanium, among other rare-earth metals and minerals — has already signaled its willingness to make such an agreement.
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
The US gives Ukraine billions in military aid every year. It's only right that the US gets something in return for these contributions and Trump will achieve this as part of his America First policy.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine is prepared to strike a deal on rare-earth minerals as long as security deals are provided to ensure these resources don't fall into Russian hands. Kyiv has made clear that its number one priority is maintaining support for its vital war effort against Russia's aggression.
Pro-Russia narrative
The lion's share of Ukraine's rare-earth minerals lie in eastern areas that are no longer under Kyiv's control. Ukraine is making the US false promises in the hopes of securing continued aid.
