Trump wants to treasures from Ukraine: a deal for US aid?

Trump wants to treasures from Ukraine: a deal for US aid?

President Donald Trump made it clear in a current statement that he would like to link the exploitation of mineral resources in Ukraine with US military aid. Trump calls for access to the valuable raw materials, especially rare earths, in return for future aids. This requirement is designed to activate the Ukrainian resources for western support. Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted sharply to Trump's proposal and emphasized that Ukraine should use its raw materials to reconcile after the war instead of making them on conditions. This topic is particularly relevant because Ukraine continues to rely on western military aid to defend itself against the Russian aggression war. Under President Joe Biden, the United States is considered the most important supporter of Ukraine in this conflict.

Trump also criticized Joe Biden for his supposedly inadequate financial demands to Ukraine. He showed that he could possibly reduce the support for Ukraine unless his claims were discussed. The former President emphasized that it was important to ensure security among the rare earths, especially in view of the great technological importance of these raw materials for the production of semiconductors, smartphones and electric cars.

rare earths and their meaning

Ukraine has around five percent of the global mineral resources and has 20 explored fields with strategically important raw materials such as lithium, graphite, titanium and uranium. These raw materials are indispensable for modern technology, which makes Trump's demand for access to access particularly explosive. Parts of the areas with occurrence of rare earths are currently occupied by Russian troops, which is a direct direction in the context of the geopolitical conflict. Access to these strategic materials could give the USA and other western countries decisive advantages.

Trump plans to discuss with various actors, including Ukraine and Russia, in order to achieve an agreement on the delivery of rare earths in exchange for US aids. Insiders report that US arms deliveries to Ukraine were resumed after a short break. This shows that despite the tense political situation, support for Ukraine will continue to maintain.

Reforming the Ukrainian armed forces

In the context of military efforts and the security situation, President Wolodymyr Selenskyj announced comprehensive changes in the command structure of the Ukrainian armed forces. The transition to the Army Corps organization was approved to increase military efficiency. With around 5,000 soldiers, the brigade is currently the largest unity of the Ukrainian armed forces. Selenskyj emphasized the need to modernize the army and called for a strengthening of the air defense to protect the country's energy systems.

faced with this situation remains to be seen whether and how the USA and Ukraine react to Trump's demands and what effects this could have on the support and future military strategy in the Ukraine War. While Trump is planning to end the Ukraine War immediately after his return to the White House, he also calls on the European Union to also contribute more to support Ukraine.