US President Donald Trump has announced that he will dispatch Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Ukraine for discussions on a potential deal involving rare-earth minerals in exchange for further US aid. The visit, which could take place as soon as this week, marks the first cabinet-level trip to Kiev by a member of Trump’s administration.

Trump has repeatedly stressed that US financial support for Ukraine should yield tangible benefits for Washington, particularly in securing access to critical minerals. Speaking to Fox News on February 10, he emphasized that it would be “stupid” for the US to continue funding Ukraine’s war efforts without a return on investment.

In a Truth Social post on February 11, Trump reiterated his position, stating, “I am sending Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky. This War MUST and WILL END SOON – Too much Death and Destruction. The U.S. has spent BILLIONS of Dollars Globally, with little to show. WHEN AMERICA IS STRONG, THE WORLD IS AT PEACE.”

According to Bloomberg and Reuters, Bessent’s visit will focus on preliminary negotiations regarding US access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth. Trump’s move aligns with his broader stance that American aid should serve national interests rather than being provided unconditionally.

Rare-earth minerals are essential for various high-tech applications, including electric........

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