Putin Suggests Rare Earth Deal to Trump Amid Ukraine Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled a willingness to collaborate with the United States, including President Donald Trump, on accessing Russia’s extensive reserves of rare earth minerals. The statement, delivered during a televised interview on Russian state media in late February, comes as Trump has been engaged in negotiations with Ukraine over its own rare earth resources, highlighting competing opportunities in the critical minerals sector.

In his remarks, Putin indicated that Russia is open to working with American entities—both governmental and corporate—on projects involving rare earth metals. He pointed to Russia’s significant deposits, including those in areas of Ukraine under Russian control, which he termed "new territories." Putin emphasized the scale of Russia’s resources, suggesting they surpass what other nations might offer, though he did not explicitly mention Ukraine.

The timing of Putin’s comments coincides with ongoing U.S.-Ukraine discussions. Trump has been pursuing a deal to secure Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, reportedly as part of a broader agreement tied to continued American support in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. Details of both the Russian proposal and the Ukrainian negotiations remain limited, with no official response yet from the White House on Putin’s suggestion.

Rare earth minerals, vital for technologies like electronics and defense systems, are a key focus for the U.S., which seeks to diversify its supply chains. Putin’s offer and Trump’s talks with Ukraine reflect the growing strategic importance of these resources amid global competition.