Trump "Discussed Economic Development with Putin"... Putin "Proposed Rare Earth Cooperation to the US"

EU Announces Additional Sanctions on Russia...
Trump Says, "Discussing Major Economic Development Deal with Russia"
Putin to Propose Cooperation with U.S. in Rare Earth Metals Sector

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on the 24th (local time) that he is discussing an economic development agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This move contrasts with the European Union's (EU) announcement of additional sanctions on the third anniversary of the outbreak of the Ukraine war. In response to Trump's 'Russia shielding,' President Putin said he is ready to propose cooperation with the U.S. in the rare earth metals sector.

Trump Discusses Economic Development with Russia... EU Announces Additional Sanctions

President Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, which he founded, "I am having serious discussions with President Putin about ending the (Ukraine) war and a major economic development deal between the U.S. and Russia." He added, "The talks are progressing smoothly."

On the 12th, Trump had informed via Truth Social that he spoke with President Putin, discussing not only Ukraine but also the Middle East, energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and the power of the dollar.

This stance contrasts with Europe, which has maintained a hardline approach toward Russia and announced additional sanctions. On this day, the EU approved its 16th sanctions package against Russia on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions include limiting imports of Russian aluminum to 80% of the previous year's volume for the next 12 months, gradually reducing imports, and fully banning them from the end of 2026.

President Trump also revealed on his Truth Social that he participated in a G7 phone summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, who was visiting the U.S., from the White House Oval Office that morning.

Trump said, "This meeting was convened by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the G7 chair, on the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war," adding, "If I had been (the U.S.) president, the war would not have started."

He continued, "Everyone expressed that ending the war is the goal, and I emphasized the importance of a significant 'major minerals and rare earth trade' between the U.S. and Ukraine. We hope this agreement will be signed very quickly."

He emphasized, "This is an 'economic partnership' that will ensure the recovery of the hundreds of billions of dollars and military equipment the American people have supported Ukraine with, while helping Ukraine's economy grow as the brutal and barbaric war ends."

Putin Ready to Propose Cooperation with U.S. in Rare Earth Metals Sector... Considering 50% Defense Budget Cut

In response to the U.S.'s pro-Russian moves, President Putin said he is ready to propose cooperation with the U.S. in the rare earth metals sector.

According to TASS and RIA Novosti, Putin said in an interview with Pavel Zarubin, a journalist from Russian state media, that Russia is prepared to jointly develop rare earths with the U.S. and other foreign partners.

He specifically mentioned that cooperation with foreign countries, including the U.S., is possible regarding rare earths found in Russia's new territories. These new territories refer to Ukrainian lands occupied by Russia since its 'special military operation' began in February 2022.

Putin also said Russia could consider joint ventures with the U.S. regarding aluminum resources. He stated that Russia and the U.S. could reach an agreement to cut defense budgets by 50%, and China could also join, adding, "We think this is a good proposal and are ready to discuss it."

He criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying his chances of winning the presidential election are close to zero.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Putin reaffirmed their countries' relationship through a video call on the same day. After the call, Xi described China and Russia as "true friends who have been through good and bad times together." This move is interpreted as China’s effort to counterbalance the U.S., which has been rapidly growing closer to Russia amid ongoing tariff disputes with China.

The New York Times (NYT) described the video call between the Chinese and Russian leaders as "an attempt to confirm loyalty between Beijing and Moscow as President Trump turns his attention to the Kremlin."