FT News Briefing Why Trump wants Ukraine’s minerals
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Feb 19, 2025 U.S. and Russian negotiators are working on a path to end the Ukraine war, with Trump eyeing lucrative Ukrainian mineral resources. The mineral wealth poses risks for Ukraine, as favorable deals may be hard to come by. The podcast also dives into the surge of funding for small modular nuclear reactors, driven by demand from AI data centers, showcasing their cost benefits and partnerships with tech giants. However, challenges remain in deploying these reactors, requiring government support amid contrasting political views.
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Trump's Interest in Ukrainian Minerals
- Donald Trump is interested in Ukraine's rare earth minerals, including lithium, graphite, cobalt, and titanium.
- He envisions a deal involving U.S. military aid in exchange for access to these resources.
Origin of the Mineral Exchange Idea
- Senator Lindsey Graham introduced Trump and Ukrainian officials to the idea of exchanging minerals for military aid.
- This concept became part of Zelenskyy's "victory plan," presented to Trump during a meeting.
Terms of the Proposed Deal
- Trump's proposed deal involves recouping $500 billion in past U.S. aid to Ukraine.
- In return, Ukraine would give the U.S. 50% of its rare mineral earnings, which Ukrainian officials find unacceptable.