President Donald Trump has suggested the United States could stand to gain access to Ukraine’s supply of rare earth minerals in exchange for continued U.S. support for the nation as it continues to face Russian invasion forces.
Speaking with reporters at the White House on Feb. 3, Trump reiterated a complaint that the United States has carried much of the cost to arm and fund Ukraine in the ongoing war and said other nations in Europe should begin to take on a larger share of the burden.
“Look, we have an ocean in between. They don’t,” Trump said of Europe’s proximity to the ongoing conflict. “It’s more important for them than it is for us, but they’re way below us in terms of money, and they should be paying at least equal.
“They should really be paying much more than us, but let’s say equal to us.”
Trump then raised the possibility of Ukraine reimbursing the United States for the aid it’s receiving by trading rare earth minerals. These rare earth minerals are useful in high-end electronics, computer chips, and electric vehicle batteries and are becoming an increasingly sought-after strategic resource. […]
— Read More: www.theepochtimes.com
