Trump Proposes Exchange of US Aid for Ukraine's Rare Earth Metals
President Donald Trump has proposed that Ukraine 'do a deal' with the United States, offering rare earth metals in return for military support against Russia in their ongoing conflict. Speaking to the press at the White House on Monday, Trump emphasized the importance of securing a supply of 'very valuable' rare earth materials from Ukraine, underscoring his administration's commitment to providing military assistance. 'We're looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they're going to secure what we're giving them with their rare earth and other things,' Trump stated. The US has delivered a staggering $65.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia's aggressive invasion began on February 24, 2022. Rare earth metals, which include critical materials such as uranium, lithium, and tantalum, are vital for numerous technologies, from smartphones and electric vehicles to sophisticated military equipment like F-35 jets. In fact, they were classified as essential for the economic and national security of the US in a 2020 report. However, experts are concerned about the US's supply, as it has not been publicly disclosed and may fall significantly short in light of potential military escalations. China currently dominates global production and refining of these resources, presenting a strategic challenge for the US moving forward.