Donald Trump wants Ukraine’s rare earth elements as condition of further support

Donald Trump (Evan Vucci/AP)

Donald Trump has indicated that he wants to reach an agreement with Ukraine to gain access to the country’s rare earth materials as a condition for continuing US support for its war against Russia.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the president complained that the US had sent more in military and economic assistance to Ukraine than its European partners, adding: “We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they’re going to secure what we’re giving them with their rare earth and other things.”