President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser explained on Sunday that the White House will push for access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as the US has invested a considerable amount of money in Kiev’s war effort. Most of Ukraine’s mineral wealth is in areas held by Russia. 

On NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Mike Waltz explained, “The President is prepared to put all of those issues on the table, including the future of US aid to Ukraine. We need to recoup those costs.” He continued, “That will be a partnership with the Ukrainians in terms of their rare earth, natural resources, oil, and gas.”

The remarks echo statements from Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Last week, Trump said, “We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they’re going to secure what we’re giving them with their rare earth and other things. We want a guarantee. We’re handing them money, hand over fist.”

Responding to Trump, Zelensky said, “If we are talking about a deal, then let’s do a deal, we are only for it.” He added, “The Americans helped the most, and therefore, the Americans should earn the most. And they should have this priority, and they will. I would also like to talk about this with President Trump.”

53% of the minerals in Ukraine are located in the four territories annexed by Russia. About a quarter of the minerals are in Dnipropetrovsk, a region bordering the annexed oblasts Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk. There is an estimated $14.8 trillion worth of resources in Ukraine. 

While Trump pledged to end the protracted conflict in Ukraine on his first day in office, his administration has not yet offered a workable proposal to end the war. That Trump is considering exchanging future aid for mineral rights in Ukraine suggests the White House could extend the war well into the future. 

However, Kiev has needs that more American money will not fix. Ukraine is losing territory to Russian forces and Kiev is facing manpower shortages. Additionally, support for the war has dropped, leading to more desertions.