In a surprising twist, former US President Donald Trump has suggested that future military aid to Ukraine could hinge on access to the country’s rich mineral deposits. As Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing aggression, this proposal has sparked debate about the nature of Western support.

Trump floated the idea during a recent conversation, emphasizing that Ukraine’s rare earth metals and other valuable resources could be a key part of any future deal. “We’re putting in hundreds of billions of dollars. They have great rare earths, and I want security of the rare earth,” he said, though he didn’t specify what Ukraine had agreed to, if anything.

This isn’t the first time Trump has linked aid to conditions. He’s previously suggested that assistance should come in the form of loans and urged Ukraine to negotiate with Russia. This stands in contrast to the approach of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who approved over $65 billion in military aid, arguing that Ukraine’s victory is crucial to US security.

Ukraine is no stranger to such discussions. The country has already signed agreements with the European Union to tap into its mineral wealth, and a similar deal with the US was in the works before Trump took office. A memorandum from the Biden administration highlighted opportunities for American companies to invest in Ukraine’s mining sector, provided the country implemented strong business and environmental practices.

Ukraine’s mineral deposits are a major asset, with 22 of the 50 critical minerals identified by the US Geological Survey. These include lithium, titanium, and uranium—key resources for industries like clean energy and defense. But some of these reserves are in areas currently under Russian control, adding urgency to the conversation.

Experts say a deal could benefit both sides. For Ukraine, it could mean much-needed investment for post-war recovery. For the US, it could reduce reliance on China, which dominates the global supply of rare earth minerals and other critical materials. “It’s a win-win,” said Nataliya Katser-Buchkovska, a former Ukrainian MP. “Ukraine gets economic support, and the US diversifies its supply chain.”

As the world transitions to renewable energy and electric vehicles, demand for these minerals is expected to skyrocket. Ukraine’s resources could play a pivotal role in this shift—if they remain under Ukrainian control.

The Ukrainian government has yet to respond to Trump’s comments, but President Volodymyr Zelensky has long argued that Western investment in the country’s natural resources is key to its future. For now, the question remains: will Ukraine’s mineral wealth become the price of continued US support?