Pro-Russia Ukrainian paramilitary leader assassinated by bomb attack in Moscow
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Trump Wants Ukraine's Rare Earths in Exchange for Aid
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 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.