Scholz criticises Trump's idea to help Ukraine in exchange for resources

Olaf Scholz, photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa/picture alliance

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has criticised US President Donald Trump's proposal to provide Ukraine with military aid in exchange for its mineral resources.

According to the German TV channel n-tv, Scholz said that such an approach is «very selfish and self-centred», as Ukraine's resources should be used for its post-war recovery, and not used as a payment for support during the war.

«The main task is to help Ukraine rebuild the country after the enormous destruction. Therefore, its resources should work for the future, and not become a bargaining chip», the Chancellor stressed.

Earlier, Donald Trump said that he would like to conclude a deal under which Ukraine would supply the United States with rare earth minerals needed for electronics production in exchange for American aid.

As a reminder, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, when presenting his victory plan in the Verkhovna Rada, said that Ukraine was ready to conclude a special agreement with strategic partners on joint protection of critical resources, investment and use of economic potential.

According to him, it is about natural resources and metals, which are estimated to be worth trillions of dollars. Among them are uranium, titanium, lithium, graphite and other strategically important elements that give Ukraine a competitive advantage in the global market.