What are rare earth elements, and why does Trump want them from Ukraine?

Trump hopes to secure rare earth resources from Ukraine as part of a deal for US aid

Ukraine open to exchanging minerals for US military aid, says Zelenskyy

Rare earth minerals, which President Donald Trump hopes to secure from Ukraine as part of a deal for US aid, are strategic metals essential for industries developing computers, batteries, and cutting-edge energy technology.

Topics

Trump Urges Trading Ukraine’s Rare Earth Minerals for More U.S. Aid

Ukraine has already emphasized that by supporting its war effort, the U.S. could get access to the country’s wealth of critical minerals like lithium and uranium.
The New York Times - 1d
Ukraine war briefing: Trump demands rare earths from Kyiv in exchange for aid

US reportedly briefly paused weapon shipments into Ukraine; Russian forces continue to gain ground as Ukraine struggles with manpower. What we know on day 1,077 Continue reading...
The Guardian - 1d
Trump wants rare earth elements from Ukraine in exchange for military aid

President Trump indicated Monday he wants a deal for rare earth elements and other items from Ukraine in exchange for continued military aid in the nation’s war against Russia. “We're handing them ...
The Hill - 1d
Trump wants Ukrainian rare earths deal in return for US military support

US proposal appears to align with President Zelenskyy’s strategy to keep Washington onside
Financial Times - 1d
Why Does Trump Want the Panama Canal? Here’s What to Know.

Treaties ratified by the Senate in 1978 established permanent neutrality, but some Republicans regret that decision.
The New York Times - Jan. 9
Why does Trump want Greenland and what do its people think?

Though the president-elect's rhetoric is unusual, for over a century a succession of US presidents have tried to gain control of Greenland.
BBC News - Jan. 8
Why Does Trump Want Greenland?

The president-elect said the United States needed the island, which is a semiautonomous part of Denmark, for national security reasons. But there are other possible interests.
The New York Times - Jan. 7

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