Tue Feb 25 15:46:30 UTC 2025: ## Russia Open to US Cooperation on Rare Earth Minerals Despite Tensions
**Moscow, February 25, 2025** – The Kremlin announced Tuesday its willingness to collaborate with the United States on developing Russia’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. President Vladimir Putin, in a televised interview Monday, highlighted Russia’s leading global position in these reserves and the need for increased development.
The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, stated that the potential for cooperation stems from the US’s need for these minerals, crucial for clean energy technologies. While expressing openness to a deal, Peskov acknowledged the significant challenges in rebuilding trust with the US following the imposition of sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. He emphasized that restoring trust requires a gradual process and numerous small steps.
This announcement follows President Putin’s Monday cabinet meeting focused on developing Russia’s mineral sector. The timing is notable, as the US is also pursuing mineral deals, including with Ukraine, which possesses significant lithium and titanium reserves now partly occupied by Russia. While the Kremlin expresses readiness for cooperation, Peskov stressed that a deal hinges on the emergence of sufficient political will and the gradual repair of US-Russia relations.
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