Putin offers metals trade to the U.S., hints at defense cuts
Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow is ready to propose cooperation with American private and state entities regarding rare earth metals. He added that the USA and Russia could agree on reducing defense spending.
Vladimir Putin announced on Monday that Moscow is ready to propose cooperation with American private and state entities regarding rare earth metals. He noted that the Kremlin and the White House could consider collaboration in aluminum production. He added that the prepared agreement between the USA and Ukraine concerning minerals is not Russia's concern.
Through this initiative, the Kremlin aims to increase its influence on the international stage. It is worth recalling that Donald Trump's administration hopes that 50% of the revenues from the potential extraction of Ukrainian rare earth metals will go to the United States account. This is intended to be one of the conditions for peace in Russia's conflict.
Putin appreciates Trump
The Russian leader emphasized that the actions of the US president are not dictated by emotions but by a reasonable approach to the current situation, according to the Reuters agency. Putin added that Trump's position does not protect Russia's interests but only Ukraine's. He also expressed his belief that Trump wants to "heal" the political situation in Ukraine and "create conditions for the survival" of that country.
He informed that the next meeting of the Russian and US delegations will focus primarily on bilateral issues. Putin also said he sees nothing wrong with Europe's participation in Ukraine negotiations. Well, probably no one can demand anything here, especially not from Russia," he emphasized.
He also proposed that Russia and the USA could simultaneously reduce defense expenditures, suggesting that China might follow suit if it desired to.
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