Call from Putin to the US: We are ready to cooperate in rare earths

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Creation Date: February 25, 2025 01:05

Russian President Vladimir Putin made statements to the Russian state channel Rossiya-24 regarding current issues.

Pointing out that US President Donald Trump directed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to the presidential election, Putin said, "I believe that Trump wants to improve the political situation in Ukraine. This initiative is in the interest of Ukraine rather than Russia."

Stating that Trump, like Russia, wants peace in Ukraine, Putin said, "This is in the interest of Ukraine and the Ukrainian state. We have no objection to the preservation of the Ukrainian state."

Stating that according to Russian data, Zelenskyy's chances of becoming president are low, Putin said, "His vote share is exactly twice that of his closest political rival, the former Chief of General Staff of Ukraine, Valery Zaluzhny, who was exiled to London."

Putin said that European officials were not aware of the developments in Ukraine and added: "The Europeans have made too many promises and now it is very difficult for them to move away from this approach without any losses."

Expressing that they value the views of BRICS members on Ukraine, Putin noted that he also discussed this issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that consultations would be held in New York soon.

POSSIBLE COOPERATION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE USA ON RARE ELEMENTS

"This does not concern us. Russia is ready to offer the United States the opportunity to work together in the field of rare earths. We definitely have more resources of this kind than Ukraine. Russia is one of the undisputed leaders in terms of reserves of these rare earths," Putin said.

Regarding the possibility of the US and Russia reducing their defense spending, Putin said, "Reducing defense budgets by 50 percent with the US is a good idea, and China can join in later if it wants."

Putin also spoke about the tariffs imposed by the US on aluminum imports, saying, "If the US decides to open its market for our producers, we can export about 2 million tons. I think this will have a positive effect on price stability. And I think the most important thing is that we can act together with American companies on joint work in this area."

Evaluating Trump's statements that "consultations are being held with Russia on important economic projects," Putin said, "Yes, some of our companies are in contact with each other and are discussing such projects."