US President Donald Trump has signaled his openness to a rare earth minerals deal with Russia, following an offer from President Vladimir Putin. The proposal, announced by Putin on February 24, suggests that Moscow is willing to collaborate with Washington in developing mineral deposits in Russian-controlled territories, including Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye. Trump’s response, delivered at the White House on February 26, indicates a growing interest in securing these strategic resources, potentially marking a major shift in US-Russia economic relations.

Rare earth minerals are critical for a variety of industries, including defense, technology, and energy. The US has long been dependent on imports for these essential materials, particularly from China, which dominates global production. Trump’s interest in Russian minerals suggests a strategic maneuver to diversify US supply chains and reduce dependence on Beijing.

“I’d like to buy minerals on Russian land, too, if we can… They have very good rare earths, also, and oil and gas. Look, it’s a great thing,” Trump stated. “It’s great for Russia, too, because we could do deals there. They have very valuable land that isn’t utilized. So something like that could take place, yeah.”

Putin has emphasized that while Russia will prioritize domestic development of rare earth resources due to their strategic importance, cooperation with international partners, including the US, remains on the table. This potential collaboration could open up new avenues for trade and economic engagement between the two nations.

Trump’s push for access to rare earth minerals extends beyond Russia. He has also been........

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