Russia offered US rare earth deal on occupied Ukrainian territories – NBC
Illustrative photo: The United States may discuss a rare earths agreement with Russia (flickr by U.S. Department of State)
Russia is offering the US a cooperation deal that would grant American ownership rights over minerals located in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, NBC News reports.
Unnamed US officials and another source told the network that last week, senior aides to Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the idea of a rare earth deal with American officials during a meeting in Saudi Arabia.
According to US officials, the proposal involved granting the US access to mineral resources in the temporarily occupied parts of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. NBC News sources indicated that while the US has not committed to the deal, it also has not dismissed the idea.
On February 25, US President Donald Trump stated that a deal with Russia on mineral resources “could take place”.
Meanwhile, Kremlin leader Putin has claimed he could provide the US access to rare earth minerals in occupied Ukrainian territories.
NBC News notes that such a deal would "effectively ensure" Russia's continued control over temporarily occupied Ukrainian regions as part of a peace agreement.
Plans of the US
Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that his country aims to make several economic development deals with Russia.
He clarified that Russia is rich in rare earth metals and other valuable resources that the US could use.
