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Trump promises military aid for Ukraine, as long as Ukraine shares rare Earth minerals
By ljdevon // 2025-02-06
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  • President Trump aims to secure access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals in return for continued U.S. military aid.
  • The proposal comes amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with the U.S. being Ukraine's largest supporter.
  • European countries are urged to increase their financial contributions to Ukraine's defense.
  • The move highlights the strategic importance of rare earth minerals in global politics and economics.

Trump views aid to Ukraine as transactional

President Donald Trump announced on Monday his intention to strike a deal with Ukraine. The agreement would grant the United States access to Ukraine's rich reserves of these critical materials in exchange for continued military aid. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump emphasized the need for a "guarantee" in return for the "hundreds of billions of dollars" the U.S. has poured into Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. "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 said. "We want a guarantee. We’re handing them money, hand over fist." The deal is essentially a continuation of Biden’s foreign policy in Ukraine, but as a precondition for Trump’s military aid, there is something valuable to gain in return. This deal insinuates that the military aid is transactional, and not a compassionate exchange, changing the dynamics of America's relationship with Ukraine. The president's remarks come at a time when the U.S. is increasingly concerned about its reliance on China for rare earth minerals, which are essential for the production of advanced weapons, green energy technologies, and other high-tech applications. China currently controls about 70% of the world's rare earth output and more than 90% of refining capacity, making it a dominant player in the global market.

Geopolitical implications loom

The strategic significance of rare earth minerals has been a topic of discussion among policymakers for years. During the Cold War, the U.S. and the Soviet Union vied for control over resources that were deemed critical to national security. Today, the landscape has shifted, with China emerging as the key player. This has prompted the U.S. to seek alternative sources and strengthen its alliances to ensure a stable supply. Ukraine, often referred to as the "breadbasket of Europe," is also rich in mineral resources, including rare earths. According to Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ukraine holds between two to seven trillion dollars' worth of rare earth minerals, making it one of the richest countries in Europe in terms of these valuable resources. Graham has been a vocal advocate for supporting Ukraine, citing its mineral wealth as a key reason for continued U.S. involvement. Trump also used the opportunity to call on European countries to increase their financial contributions to Ukraine's defense. "Europe is not keeping up with us. They should equalize," he said. The U.S. has been Ukraine's largest backer since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, providing more than 30 billion in budget support and almost 70 billion in security assistance, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. The president's remarks reflect a broader concern among U.S. policymakers about the uneven distribution of financial and military support for Ukraine. While the U.S. has been a steadfast ally, some European countries have been criticized for not doing enough. As the world watches the unfolding drama between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, the rare earth mineral proposal adds a new dimension to the geopolitical landscape. It is a stark reminder of the intricate dance between economic interests and national security, where the stakes are as high as the resources are valuable. This deal could lead to a quagmire, making U.S. aid to Ukraine more permanent, creating a never-ending cold war scenario with Russia. While Trump is smart to get something back for all the wasted aid sent to Ukraine, the deal could lead to a more permanent relationship with Ukraine that is further corrupted in future administrations. Sources include: News.AntiWar.com Archive.vn ApNews.com
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