US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that Ukraine may eventually become part of Russia. He suggested that the US could trade aid for Ukraine’s valuable natural resources, such as rare minerals.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump remarked, “They may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday. But we are going to have all this money in there and I say I want it back.”

Trump's Optimism After Talking to Putin

These comments followed a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump explained that Putin “wants to see people stop dying” and expressed hope for ending the war. He stated that the US is making progress in its relationship with Moscow.

When asked whether the call took place after he became president, Trump replied, “I’ve had it. Let’s just say I’ve had it…And I expect to have many more conversations. We have to get that war ended.”

Upcoming Meetings with Zelenskyy

Furthermore, Trump mentioned he would likely meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy soon. White House officials are expected to meet Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference this week.

High-Level Talks at the Munich Security Conference

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, revealed that the White House was finalizing details for talks during the conference.

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Kellogg are among the Trump administration officials traveling to Germany. They could play crucial roles in talks with Zelenskyy and his team.

Trump’s Proposal on Rare Earth Materials

Lastly, Trump recently expressed interest in reaching a deal with Ukraine to access its rare earth materials. He noted that his aides were working toward securing this agreement, which he sees as a condition for continued US support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.