Trump wants Ukraine to pay back US aid through rare earth mining

U.S. President Donald Trump has highlighted the importance of a proposed rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine, describing it as a key economic partnership that could offset past military aid and financial support provided to Kyiv.

Writing on US media, Trump said the agreement, which he hopes will be signed soon, would help the U.S. recoup "tens of billions of dollars" in military equipment and aid while also supporting Ukraine’s economy as the war nears its end, Caliber.Az reports.

The comments followed a virtual meeting of G7 leaders, during which all participants expressed a desire to see the conflict concluded, Trump said.

The president also indicated he may meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to finalise the deal. Trump suggested that Zelenskyy "may come" to Washington "this week or next."

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump's recent criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has triggered support from his domestic allies, who have echoed calls for elections in Ukraine. Elon Musk backed Trump, stating he was "right to ignore" Zelenskyy. Republican senators Lindsey Graham and Josh Hawley also pushed for elections, aligning with Trump’s stance.

Critics argue that this pressure serves geopolitical interests rather than Ukraine's stability. Ukrainian officials warn that elections during wartime would be vulnerable to Russian interference and could destabilize the country. Some suggest Trump’s allies aim to replace Zelenskyy with a more compliant leader who would be open to a U.S.-brokered peace deal.

Despite Trump's attacks, Zelenskyy has seen political backing from Ukrainian leaders and European allies. Observers caution that forcing Ukraine into elections could create internal divisions and unintended consequences for U.S. interests in the region.

By Aghakazim Guliyev