US President Donald Trump has said that US support for Ukraine will come at a price – mineral resources worth $500 billion.

In the second part of a Fox News interview aired Monday night, Trump said the United States should receive a share of Ukraine's vast natural resources as compensation for the hundreds of billions of dollars spent helping Kiev defend itself from a Russian invasion.

"I told them (the Ukrainians) I wanted $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals. And they basically accepted it, so at least we don't feel stupid," Trump said.

"Otherwise we are stupid. I told them we have to get something. We can't keep paying this money," he added.

Ukraine possesses vast reserves of key minerals and elements, such as lithium and titanium, which are essential for the production of modern technology. It also has large reserves of coal, oil, gas, and uranium, although a significant portion of these resources are located in territories under Russian control.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is using the idea of ​​allowing American companies to exploit Ukrainian resources as a bargaining chip for further financial support from Trump. The offer is also part of Ukraine's "Victory Plan," which includes economic and security measures presented to allies last year.

"Americans helped the most, and therefore Americans should earn the most," Zelensky said in an interview with Reuters. "I want to talk to President Trump about that as well."

Trump, who is trying to outdo China in the global race for resources, has publicly expressed a desire to exploit Ukraine's mineral wealth.

Earlier this month, he told reporters in the Oval Office: "We are considering a deal with Ukraine where they will provide what we give them through their rare minerals and other resources."

His statements have sparked negative reactions in Europe, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticizing Trump's approach to foreign policy, calling it "very egotistical and selfish," according to the BBC. Politico.