“We are open to the fact [Donald Trump wanting more access to the Ukraine's valuable rare earth minerals], that all of this can be developed together, along with our partners who can help us protect our lands. This is absolutely fair. I talked about this in September when we met with President Trump.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that future American aid to Ukraine could be contingent on securing greater access to the Ukraine’s valuable rare earth minerals. These minerals, essential for producing batteries, electronics, and military technology, have become increasingly sought after as global demand for high-tech and defense-related materials grows.

Speaking to reporters on February 3, Trump emphasized the need for a deal that would ensure U.S. security over Ukraine’s rare earth resources. He highlighted their strategic importance, particularly as the United States has invested hundreds of billions of dollars in Ukraine’s defense. Rare earths, a group of 17 critical minerals, play a crucial role in industries ranging from renewable energy to advanced weaponry, making access to them a key geopolitical priority.

Extracting these minerals, however, presents significant challenges. They exist in trace amounts, requiring extensive mining and complex refining processes before they can be used in advanced technology. Despite these hurdles, Ukraine’s deposits could prove valuable in reducing reliance on other suppliers, including China, which dominates the global rare earth market.

As Ukraine remains heavily dependent on U.S. military assistance to counter the Russian invasion, Trump's potential conditions for future aid add another layer to ongoing negotiations. His administration has signaled that leveraging economic and security incentives could be central to efforts to bring Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table. With Congress having allocated over $174 billion for Ukraine-related support, Trump's approach suggests a shift toward ensuring that American strategic interests—particularly in critical minerals—are part of any future aid agreements.

This development underscores the broader geopolitical and economic stakes tied to Ukraine’s natural resources, as well as the evolving dynamics of U.S. foreign policy toward the war-torn nation.

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 Rare earth elements facts - Government of Canada