We can "take pretty much whatever we want": Trump comments on US-Ukraine minerals deal
US President Donald Trump has commented on the US-Ukraine minerals agreement, saying it gives the United States access to Ukraine's natural resources and could ultimately be worth more than the amount of American aid provided to Kyiv.
Source: Trump in an interview with Real America's Voice, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine
Quote: "We have a contract signed having to do with rare earth. We can go in there at any time we want to take pretty much whatever we want. That was a pretty good deal."
Details: Trump added that Ukraine is "very rich" in rare earth minerals, and he believes the value of the agreement could significantly exceed the amount of US assistance provided to the country.
He also suggested that the value of access to Ukraine's resources could exceed US$300 billion, meaning the agreement is still profitable and that Washington would get its money back.
Background:
- On 1 May 2025, Yuliia Svyrydenko, who was Ukraine's first deputy prime minister and economy minister at the time, and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signed a minerals deal.
- The Ukrainian government later released the text of a minerals deal with the US, available in Ukrainian and English.
- Trump stated that the minerals deal would give Washington more than it has spent on supporting Ukraine.
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