Russia Claims Major Deal With the U.S. Is in the Works

Moscow and Washington have opened talks on a large-scale economic project, according to a top Russian official close to President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin Envoy: “Discussions Have Begun”

Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s envoy for international cooperation, says the two countries have begun discussing joint rare earth mineral extraction projects in Russia.

“Rare Earths Are a Key Area for Cooperation”

Speaking to Russian newspaper Izvestia, Dmitriev said, “We have, of course, begun discussing various rare earth elements and other projects in Russia.”

U.S. Firms Reportedly Interested in Participating

Dmitriev claims several companies have expressed interest in joining such projects, though he did not name any specific firms.

Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia to Include Rare Earths

According to Russian media, rare earth cooperation will be on the table during upcoming U.S.-Russia peace talks in Saudi Arabia.

No Official Comment From the White House

As of now, the Trump administration has not publicly responded to Russia’s claims of ongoing cooperation talks.

Putin: “Russia Is a Global Leader in Rare Earth Reserves”

President Vladimir Putin recently said Russia is open to working with foreign — including American — companies on mineral extraction, including in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine.

Putin Invites U.S. Firms Into Occupied Territories

“We welcome partners to our new territories,” Putin said, referring to eastern Ukraine, which Russia occupies. He claims those regions contain untapped reserves.

Trump Pushes Ukraine to Finalize Rare Earth Deal

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has pressured Ukraine to sign a separate rare earth agreement, which would grant the U.S. access as repayment for wartime support.

Rare Earth Demand Expected to Surge Globally

Demand for rare earth elements — essential for EVs, wind turbines, and electronics — is set to rise dramatically as countries push for green energy transitions.

China’s Dominance is a Growing Concern in Washington

Currently, China controls the majority of the global rare earth market. U.S. policymakers see breaking that monopoly as a strategic priority.

Trump Claims Ukraine Is Backing Out

In a statement from Air Force One on Sunday, Donald Trump said that Ukraine is backing out of their joint agreement.
Trump told reporters, “We made a deal on rare earths, and now he’s saying, ‘well, you know, I want to renegotiate the deal.’”