Why Trump’s Latest Ukraine Deal is a Nightmare for Russia

Trump revives Ukrainian military aid, highlighting frustration with Putin's failed diplomacy.

The U.S.-Ukrainian rare-earth minerals deal is finally here! Readers of this blog know very well that as soon as the first serious rumors emerged suggesting President Trump might be interested in striking a deal with Ukraine regarding cooperation (a Ukrainian idea, in fact) based on valuable rare-earth minerals, which Ukraine possesses abundantly, we immediately became strong supporters of this solution. Indeed, it appeared to be an excellent idea—not just as short-term assistance for Ukraine, ensuring U.S. protective support, but also opening a window for reconstruction, stabilization, and elevating the importance not only of Ukraine but of the entire region. First and foremost, the United States will defend its interests; rare-earth minerals are crucial for modern technologies, which represent another battlefield—the global contest for the future of civilized society, chiefly against China (and its junior partners—Russia, Iran, etc.). Once American companies appear in Ukraine and start mining, refining, and processing these minerals, do you think Trump would let Putler resume aggression and shift borders (as he has done in Georgia) to seize another mine? There's not a chance.