Donald Trump has mentioned that a deal for Ukraine’s rare earth metals is nearing completion and the US is seeking “whatever we can get” in exchange for the assistance it has provided.

During a conference, Mr. Trump emphasized his determination to get compensation for billions of dollars in military hardware and other aid.

A source informed Sky News that President Zelenskyy is not ready to accept the agreement that’s been drafted.

“I want them to give us something for all the money we have invested,” Mr. Trump said. “Thus, we are asking for rare earth and oil – anything we can secure!”

He claimed that European countries gave their aid as a loan whereas the US did not, implying that they are owed some compensation.

“We are going to recover our money because it is just fair,” Mr. Trump told the event in Maryland.

“We are getting close to a deal, I believe,” he continued.

Mr. Trump claimed that the US has provided $350 billion in aid, but international bodies estimate it to be around $120 billion.

Rare earth metals are used in high-tech products such as smartphones and electric cars and their availability is a growing concern.

Despite US optimism, a Ukrainian source stated that there were still “several problematic issues” and that the drafts did not reflect a partnership but only unilateral commitments by Ukraine.

Security guarantees from the US are likely what Ukraine is pushing for in any future peace deal with Russia.

Mr. Trump’s speech on Saturday covered a wide range of topics, taking jibes at opponents such as Joe Biden and celebrating numerous achievements since regaining the White House.

Despite the US’s optimism, a Ukrainian source maintained that an agreement could not be reached due to “multiple difficult issues” and the drafts did “not reflect a partnership in the agreement but only unilateral commitments by Ukraine”.

Kyiv strongly advocates for substantial security guarantees from the United States in any future peace pact with Russia

During his speech on Saturday, President Trump showed continued optimism that a deal is possible under his presidency, stating his conversations with both the Ukrainian and Russian leaders.

“I’ve talked to President Putin and I think that matter is going to end,” he said to the conference.

Ukraine has persistently maintained that any deal without its participation would not be accepted after it was left out of a meeting between top US and Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia.