**US President Donald Trump’s Rare Earth Deal Risks Ukraine Repeating History’s Mistakes**
February 10, 2025 – US President Donald Trump has claimed that he aims to secure $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals as part of negotiations over continued US support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia.
But history repeats itself. In 1918, Germany and Austria-Hungary needed natural resources like grain, lard, meat, and oil to sustain their war efforts and economies. Ukraine, having recently declared independence from the Russian Empire, possessed these resources. Seeing an opportunity, Germany intervened, leading to a series of events that ultimately resulted in Ukraine losing its sovereignty.
**A Similar Scenario Unfolds**
Under the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, German troops entered Ukraine, ostensibly to protect its independence from the Bolsheviks in exchange for food supplies. However, this arrangement came with strings attached, and Ukraine eventually lost power to Germany’s presence. When Germany lost World War I, its need for Ukraine disappeared, leaving Ukraine vulnerable.
In 1919, Symon Petliura overthrew Skoropadskyi, but ultimately lost the battle to Moscow, leading to the Ukrainian state disappearing. The Holodomor, Executed Renaissance, destruction of Kyiv, and Russification followed.
**History Repeats Itself**
Today, history repeats itself – only this time, it’s the United States instead of Germany. Lithium instead of grain, graphite instead of lard, and the intention to hold elections in Ukraine instead of a coup. However, unlike a century ago, there is no promise to send an army – neither the US nor NATO – to protect the resources Washington needs.
**Lessons from History**
World politics is ruthless. You shouldn’t expect mercy without internal unity and leverage to protect your interests. Some takeaways:
* Politicians should not be at odds with each other.
* The government should focus on strengthening the country‘s internal unity.
* Society must value its state and understand that even if a ceasefire is reached, it will not end the war.
**Avoiding Past Mistakes**
To prevent repeating the failures of the past, Ukraine must avoid making the same mistakes. By learning from history, Ukraine can build a stronger future.
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