President Donald Trump wants to strike a deal with Ukraine that would link access to the country’s valuable minerals as a condition for billions of dollars in U.S military aid to fight Russia.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump criticized European allies for not matching what the U.S. is sending to the Ukraine and said he’s working on a “deal” that would tie Ukraine’s rare earth elements to ongoing military support. Trump also signed an order making Keith Kellogg his special envoy on Russia-Ukraine issues.
Rare earth elements include 17 metals that are needed to make everything from missiles, aircraft and submarines to magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines.
Trump indicated Ukrainian officials are on board with his plan.