U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that Ukraine has “essentially agreed” to grant the United States access to $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals as compensation for American financial and military aid amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. In a recent interview with Fox News, Trump emphasized the need for the U.S. to secure tangible returns for its substantial investments in Ukraine, stating, “We have to get something. We can’t continue to pay this money.”

President Trump has framed American support for Ukraine as a transactional relationship, arguing that the U.S. should receive a share of Ukraine’s vast natural resources in return for the hundreds of billions of dollars spent aiding Kyiv in its resistance against Russia’s invasion. During the interview, Trump revealed that he had demanded $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals from Ukraine, claiming the country had “essentially agreed” to the arrangement.

Ukraine is rich in critical minerals, including lithium, titanium, and rare earth elements, which are essential for modern technologies such as electronics, renewable energy systems, and defense equipment. The country also possesses significant reserves of coal, oil, gas, and uranium. However, much of these resources are located in territories currently under Russian control, complicating access and development.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reportedly offered the development of Ukraine’s natural resources as an incentive to keep the U.S. engaged in supporting his country. This proposal is part of Ukraine’s broader “victory plan,” which outlines economic and security policies aimed at achieving a just peace with Russia. Zelenskyy has acknowledged the disproportionate role of U.S. aid, stating, “The Americans helped the most, and therefore the Americans should earn the most.”

Trump’s remarks have drawn criticism from international leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who described the U.S. president’s transactional approach to foreign policy as “very egotistic, very self-centered.” Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned that any peace deal would be unattainable if Trump’s actions undermined Russian President Vladimir Putin’s fundamental objectives.

Trump’s focus on Ukraine’s rare earth minerals aligns with his broader goal of reducing U.S. reliance on China for critical resources. He has previously expressed interest in leveraging Ukraine’s mineral wealth to bolster American economic and strategic interests. During the Fox News interview, Trump reiterated his stance, stating, “We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they’re going to secure what we’re giving them with their rare earths and other things.”

The proposed deal underscores the complex dynamics of international aid and resource diplomacy. While Trump’s approach highlights the U.S. desire for a return on its investments, it also raises questions about the ethical and geopolitical implications of tying humanitarian and military support to resource extraction. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the potential agreement could significantly impact the region’s future and the global race for critical minerals.