Thus the interlocutor of the publication reacted to Donald Trump’s statement that he is ready to continue supplying arms to Ukraine on the condition of US access to the country’s rare earth metals.
Ukrainian authorities claim that the country has reserves of more than 20 critical rare earth minerals. Some consulting and investment firms estimate them at several trillion dollars. However, the true value is difficult to estimate, as many deposits remain inaccessible due to the military conflict in the country.
The newspaper notes that Ukraine was planning to sign an agreement with the Biden administration on cooperation in the extraction and processing of minerals at the end of last year.
According to the Financial Times, citing a source close to Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump’s remarks seem to be in line with the “victory plan” presented in the fall. In particular, Ukraine allegedly offered Trump special terms of cooperation on key resources to protect them from Russia and Iran.
