U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that he wants Ukraine to pay back billions of dollars that the United States has sent to help it defend itself against Russia’s war.
“I want them to give us something for all the money we’ve given them. We are looking for rare earth minerals – whatever we can find,” Trump said at the Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington.
Trump made these comments as negotiations continue between Washington and Kyiv on an agreement that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s minerals, including those crucial for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles and other technological devices.
Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, traveled to Kyiv earlier in the week and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He later stated that Zelensky understands how important the agreement is for the U.S.
Trump told his supporters at the Conservative Political Action Conference that he believes the agreement can be reached.
“We will get our money back, because it’s not fair,” he said.
“We’ll see, but I believe we are very close to the agreement, and it’s good if we are close.”
According to a proposed document, the U.S. would gain access to Ukraine’s minerals to compensate for the aid provided to Kyiv.
Reports indicate that Zelensky initially hesitated to sign the agreement, but it was later reported that he is considering revising the latest version of the deal.
