Russia says Trump comments on Ukrainian rare earth minerals amount to request for Kyiv to buy US aid

Moscow: The Kremlin said on Tuesday that comments by US President Donald Trump suggesting he wants Ukraine to supply Washington with rare earth minerals show he now wants Kyiv to pay for US assistance rather than receive it for free.

Trump told reporters on Monday that Ukraine was willing to engage in the exchange, adding that he wants "equalization" from Ukraine for Washington's "close to $300 billion" in support.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the comment demonstrated the U.S. is no longer willing to provide free aid to Kyiv.