US President Donald Trump has said he wants access to Ukraine’s mineral deposits in exchange for future military aid that Kyiv needs as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s aggression.

Ukraine previously offered access to its rare earth minerals in hopes of keeping the Trump administration engaged in its fight with Russia.

President Donald Trump said he wants Ukraine to give the US rare earth metals in exchange for aid in its war with Russia. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, the president said he wanted to get guarantees on a supply of "very valuable rare earth" materials from Ukraine in return for US military equipment.