Zelensky offers mineral supplies to the US in exchange for military support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stressed that his country is open to "investment" from allies, as long as they provide assistance in the fight against Russia.

This statement came after a request made by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that Ukraine supply the United States with rare natural resources, elements necessary for the electronics industry, in exchange for military aid.

This proposal has sparked criticism as an exploitation of the Russian occupation for material gain, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz calling the plan "selfish".

In a report by the Ukrainian media outlet Kyiv Independent, it has been suggested that the idea may have originated in Kiev as a way to ensure the continuation of American arms shipments. washingtonpost.

During a meeting with reporters at the White House, Trump claimed that he was seeking a "match" for the "nearly $300 billion" in American support that Ukraine has received. He added that the US was demanding that Ukraine provide "rare earths" that are very valuable, suggesting a deal where Ukraine would return this material value that the US was providing through weapons and other aid.

Read too Trump demands rare minerals from Ukraine in exchange for military aid

It was not clear whether Trump was seeking a deal where Ukraine would supply the US with minerals free of charge in exchange for military support, or whether he was simply proposing the sale of these resources, possibly on terms favorable to Ukraine.

Zelensky reacted to this proposal by emphasizing that Ukraine is open to investments from partners who support it in defending its territory and in the fight against Russia, through military aid, military presence, and sanctions packages. He added that he had previously spoken with Trump on this topic and that his teams were preparing for a visit by a US delegation.

"Rare earths" is a term that refers to a group of 17 precious chemical elements, which have special magnetic and electrochemical properties, and are used in many modern products, from mobile phones and electric vehicle batteries, to drugs for treating cancer.

China is currently the world's largest producer of these elements, accounting for about 70 percent of global production.

According to the US Geological Survey, these elements are critical for sectors that include national defense, especially at a time when Washington is trying to reduce dependence on China. /Telegraph/