[GK3]

That, but also, maybe they feel like if the US actually has skin in the game, Ukraine would be more likely to honor mineral rights agreements with the US than Russia, if Russia seized control of Ukraine.  Agreements may be renegotiated at a later date when survival is on the table right now.

If anyone has the interest, here is a fairly recent list of the rare explorations and developments in the USA.
https://www.google.com/search?q=developm...e&ie=UTF-8

If you end up in conflict, you don't want critical assets  located where they are subject to seizure or their shipment by sea and air would be subject to interdiction.  We have I believe the 2nd largest rare earth deposits in the world but have been slow to develop them due to extraction challenges and environmental concerns.
New research shows there maybe very large amounts of rare earth elements in the piles of coal ash across the USA.  Research is on going in how to get enough out to make it worth it.

Why give the money to Ukraine, spend it on developing assets here at home.  Ukraine can certainly use the money, but we need independence from foreign sources if possible.

[GK3]

That, but also, maybe they feel like if the US actually has skin in the game, Ukraine would be more likely to honor mineral rights agreements with the US than Russia, if Russia seized control of Ukraine.  Agreements may be renegotiated at a later date when survival is on the table right now.

If anyone has the interest, here is a fairly recent list of the rare explorations and developments in the USA.
https://www.google.com/search?q=developm...e&ie=UTF-8

If you end up in conflict, you don't want critical assets  located where they are subject to seizure or their shipment by sea and air would be subject to interdiction.  We have I believe the 2nd largest rare earth deposits in the world but have been slow to develop them due to extraction challenges and environmental concerns.
New research shows there maybe very large amounts of rare earth elements in the piles of coal ash across the USA.  Research is on going in how to get enough out to make it worth it.

Why give the money to Ukraine, spend it on developing assets here at home.  Ukraine can certainly use the money, but we need independence from foreign sources if possible.