- cross-posted to:
- world@quokk.au
- cross-posted to:
- world@quokk.au
Summary
Russia criticized Trump’s proposal to provide military aid to Ukraine in exchange for access to its rare earth minerals.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the idea as a commercial transaction rather than genuine support and reiterated Russia’s stance that halting aid would help end the war.
Trump argued that securing Ukraine’s resources, including titanium and lithium, was in U.S. interests.
While Ukraine has not responded, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounced the plan as selfish, noting Ukraine’s need to retain resources for postwar rebuilding.
Rare earths have approximately the same concentration everywhere. Both the US and Russia have way more of them than Ukraine.
It’s hard to understand what crazy idea Trump has about them. Maybe it’s just an excuse for the 180º turn.