US may recoup funds spent on Kyiv, Trump says, eyeing Ukraine minerals

US President Donald Trump stressed that the United States could recover all funds spent supporting Kyiv and potentially earn even more through agreements with Ukraine on its mineral resources.

Speaking to reporters aboard his plane from West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said, “It is costing us nothing; in fact, we’re making money,” referring to US aid to Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports.

He added that 46th President Joe Biden “gave $350 billion” in support, and that he has now recovered a significant portion through a rare earth elements deal. 

Trump stated that the US would recover a significant portion of the money, possibly all of it or even more, adding that Ukraine is now paying for the US weapons sent there.

On May 1, 2025, the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers published the text of the signed agreement with the US on mineral resources. Media outlets and lawmakers raised concerns that the deal could reduce Ukraine’s economic sovereignty and lacked security guarantees previously discussed in President Zelenskyy’s office. Additionally, two supporting documents referenced in the main agreement were not provided to the Verkhovna Rada. Despite these concerns, the Rada ratified the agreement on May 8, and Zelenskyy approved the ratification on May 12.

By Jeyhun Aghazada