German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has criticized former US President Donald Trump's demand for guarantees on rare earth minerals from Ukraine in exchange for military aid. Scholz stated that Ukraine is being attacked and Germany is helping without demanding anything in return. He described Trump's request as "very selfish" and called for a unified approach to supporting Ukraine.
Scholz's comments came after Trump, in a press conference on Monday, suggested that the US should condition its military aid to Ukraine on access to its rare earth resources. Trump's remarks sparked controversy, with many criticizing his apparent attempt to exploit the situation for personal gain.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Trump's statements by saying that Ukraine is open to investments from American companies in its rare earth resources. Zelensky has previously proposed a "special agreement" with Ukraine's partners for the "joint protection" and "joint exploitation" of its strategic resources, including rare earths.
Rare earth metals are essential for modern economies, particularly for key technologies related to the energy transition. They are found in drones, wind turbines, hard drives, electric car motors, telescope lenses, and fighter jets. The potential for Ukraine's rare earth resources to become a point of contention in the ongoing conflict highlights the geopolitical significance of these materials.
Scholz's criticism of Trump's demand underscores the importance of international cooperation in supporting Ukraine and avoiding the exploitation of the conflict for personal gain. The upcoming meeting between Zelensky and Biden, scheduled for next week, will likely focus on the future of US support for Ukraine, including the potential for further economic and military assistance.