Russia: Trump Wants Ukraine to Buy US Aid

The Kremlin said Tuesday that comments by President Donald Trump suggesting he wants Ukraine to supply Washington with rare earth minerals show he now wants Kyiv to pay for U.S. 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.