German Chancellor Insists on Unconditional Aid to Ukraine Amidst Russia Conflict
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for access to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals in exchange for further military aid during the conflict with Russia. Scholz emphasized that “Ukraine is under attack and we stand by it without being paid for this. That should be everyone’s attitude.”
Trump recently stated that the U.S. has invested “hundreds of billions of dollars” into Ukraine, which possesses significant rare-earth minerals. He added, “I want security of the rare earth, and they [Ukraine] are willing to do it.” Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky confirmed his willingness to strike a deal over Kiev’s deposits of lithium, titanium, and other heavy metals. However, he acknowledged that about half of these resources are located in areas controlled by Russia.
Since the escalation of the conflict with Moscow in February 2022, Berlin has been one of Ukraine’s prime backers. Germany has provided the Zelensky government with approximately €16.8 billion ($17.3 billion) in weapons, direct payments, and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the German defense industry has seen a boom during the fighting, with stocks of arms makers skyrocketing by up to 800% over the last three years.
In other comments, Scholz rejected Trump’s aspirations to annex Greenland, an autonomous territory of EU and NATO member Denmark. The U.S. leader had claimed that Washington needs to make the world’s largest island “part of the United States.”
Trump’s demand for access to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals has sparked criticism from other global leaders as well. They argue that providing unconditional support is crucial in helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, international support remains a critical factor in shaping its outcome. The ongoing debate surrounding aid conditions highlights the complex geopolitical landscape and economic interests at play.