German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized US President Donald Trump's to tie financial aid to Ukraine to the supply of rare earth metals , Scholz said after an informal EU defense summit in Brussels on February 3 .
We should use these resources of the country to finance everything that will be needed after the war
According to him, “it would be very selfish and self-centered” to use the money received now to fund defense support.
Scholz emphasized that in the future, Ukraine will need a strong army, as well as funding for the country's reconstruction.
“These are big tasks, considering the enormous destruction that is taking place in Ukraine. And that is why I think it would be better if Ukraine's resources were used for a good future,” the German Chancellor added.
Earlier in the day, Trump said aid to Ukraine would be extended if it promised to supply rare earth metals to the U.S. “We want to make a deal with Ukraine where they will provide what we give them with their rare earth metals and other things,” he said.
When asked whether Trump wanted Kyiv to supply resources to Washington, the US president answered in the affirmative, noting that he “wants to have guarantees” of rare earth metals supplies, and indicating that Ukraine is already ready for this. According to the head of the White House, he wants Kyiv to “compensate” Washington for “almost $300 billion” of the support provided.
