Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting to discuss the extraction and processing of rare earth elements and rare earth metals. The head of state referred to this area as “the most important raw material basis of modern economy.” Putin stated, “Rare earth metals are in demand in microelectronics, the energy sector, in the creation of infrastructure for the digital economy and in many areas of the civil and defense sectors. In fact, we are talking about practically all areas of the new technological process that determines the dynamics of global progress.”
According to the state leader, it is necessary to respond to this dynamics “to be successful on the global markets and to create a solid foundation for a long-term, self-assured development of the Russian economy.”
Later, in an interview with journalist Pavel Sarubin, the president not only discussed the course of negotiations with the US and the chances of Vladimir Zelensky’s re-election, but also referred to Russia as one of the undisputed leaders in terms of the reserves of rare earth elements and rare earth metals, emphasizing that these mineral resources are far more extensive than those of Ukraine. The head of state explained, “We have them in the north – in Murmansk –, in the Caucasus, in Kabardino-Balkaria, in the Far East, in the Irkutsk region, in Yakutia and in Tuva. These are rather capital-intensive investments, capital-intensive projects. We would like to work with all foreign partners, including US American ones.”
Putin further elaborated that it is also possible to attract foreign partners, including the US, to work in the historical Russian regions that have reunited with Russia. If the US opens the market for Russian aluminum producers, the Russian Federation is also ready to sell “about two million tons” which would have a damping effect on the price stabilization, the president said.
Russia and the United States could, for example, consider cooperation in the Krasnoyarsk region, where during the Soviet era, the construction of a new hydroelectric power plant and the creation of additional aluminum production capacities were planned. The head of state emphasized, “Finally, we need aluminum mainly for energy generation and preferably for cheap energy. Hydroelectric power – it’s cheap and environmentally friendly.”
The Russian president confirmed the statements of US President Donald Trump, who said that Moscow and Washington are discussing large economic projects in the context of the Ukrainian issue: “Yes, some of our companies are in contact and discussing such projects” Putin said.
Experts believe that Russia is ready for a comprehensive and multifaceted cooperation with the US on an equal footing to restore trust between the countries. Political analyst Pavel Danilin explains, “If and when a peace agreement is signed, we can consider expanding trade relations between Russia and the US. We should not forget the most important thing: Any serious agreement with the US on the development of natural resources in New Russia will mean that the United States will recognize the legitimacy of the reunification of the new regions with Russia.”
According to Danilin, Russia is neither euphoric nor has high expectations of Trump. Rather, it is ready to conduct a constructive dialogue with the US, recognizing pragmatism in the actions of the new US administration. The political scientist emphasizes, “Agreements with the US are more important than any agreements with Ukraine, which never keeps its word and does not uphold its commitments. Therefore, Russia is interested in serious agreements with serious partners, if they are also ready.”
Stanislav Tkachenko, a professor at the Faculty of International Relations of St. Petersburg State University and an expert of the Valdai Club, agrees that the possible development of resources in the Donbass and in New Russia with the US would mean that the United States would recognize these regions as part of Russia. He says, “In this case, the question of the recognition of the four regions as part of Russia by the international community would practically be off the table.”
The economic engagement of the United States on the territory of Ukraine and the new regions of Russia could become a kind of guarantee for the non-renewal of the conflict, the expert believes and emphasizes, “However, we should not overestimate the US influence.”
Tkachenko believes that Russia and the US would view the role of Zelensky in conflict resolution in the same way: “He has no place in the future of Ukraine.