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Trump attacks Zelensky: No to Ukrainian rare earths is the reason

US president wants a 500 billion deal with Ukraine at all costs, criticises Zelensky and denies a trip to Moscow

Donald Trump has launched a new attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, revealing the real reason for their growing tension: Kiev’s refusal to cede more than 50% of its rare earth resources to the US. A deal worth $500 billion is on the table, and for Trump, the exploitation of Ukrainian mineral resources is a crucial priority that could determine the future of US support for the war.

From his office in the Oval Office of the White House, President Trump categorically denied reports of his possible trip to Moscow on 9 May to meet Vladimir Putin, declaring: ‘I’m not going’. However, the frontal attack on Zelensky and the firm intention to conclude the mining agreement with Kiev dominated the speech. ‘I want a ceasefire and an agreement,’ Trump said, expressing his desire to end the conflict, which he said is costing the US too much in economic and strategic terms.

In recent days, Trump has called Zelensky ‘a dictator without an election’ and deemed him useless in negotiations with Moscow: ‘He’s had three years and has accomplished nothing,’ he said in a radio interview. Despite the calmer tone in today’s statements, the message remains clear: without an agreement for the exploitation of rare earths, the US could review its military support for Ukraine.

For Trump, the issue of Ukrainian mineral resources is crucial to balancing the US budget: ‘We hope to sign an agreement soon that will allow us to recover $400 or $500 billion after giving $300 billion. We are close to the deal,’ he explained, pointing the finger at his predecessor Joe Biden, who was accused of not concluding the agreement out of ignorance.

The deal on rare earths, which are essential for many industries, is a major stake. Trump also emphasised the American economic outlay in the war, saying that Europe must do more: ‘We have spent three times as much as Europe and we deserve the same treatment,’ he said, making it clear that American involvement also depends on economic balance.

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