This is reported by RBK-Ukraine, citing Russian media. It is also mentioned by Kontrakty.UA.
Putin stated that rare earth metals are critically important for microelectronics, energy, the digital economy, as well as the civilian and defense sectors of Russia. In his opinion, the development of this industry will help boost the Russian economy.
"This direction is the most important resource base of the modern economy. Rare metals are in demand in microelectronics, in energy, in creating the infrastructure of the digital economy. In many sectors of the civilian and defense spheres," said the Kremlin leader.
At the same time, Putin tasked increasing the potential of Russian industry in the field of new materials. In particular, to establish the entire range, a complete cycle of the rare and rare earth metals industry, ensuring their extraction and processing, up to the production of finished high-tech products with high added value.
"The volume of such products must increase exponentially. I emphasize that we are truly talking about our strategic contribution for the future, about a priority direction that already defines and will define the global competitiveness of the country," said the dictator.
Rare Earth Metals in Russia
Russia possesses significant reserves of rare earth metals, which are critically essential for modern technological industry. Major deposits are located in the Murmansk region, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Yakutia, and other areas. However, despite these rich resources, Russia currently lags behind global leaders, such as China, in the extraction and processing of REM.
Putin has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of expanding the extraction and processing of rare earth metals as a strategic priority for the Russian economy. Investments in this sector have been increased.
In addition to economic benefits, the Kremlin views rare earth metals as an important geopolitical tool. Under the pressure of Western sanctions, Moscow may use control over strategic raw materials to enhance its influence in international markets. At the same time, other countries doubt that Russia can quickly develop this sector to the level of China, considering technological limitations, a lack of investment, and the complexity of processing such materials.
Agreement between Ukraine and the USA
Recently, the U.S. authorities proposed that Ukraine sign an agreement that would involve transferring part of Ukraine's rare earth metals to the benefit of the USA.
Initially, Washington proposed to Kyiv to create a fund of $500 billion, which would channel revenues from the sale of rare earth resources. According to the initiative, the USA would acquire economic and management rights in this fund. In the opinion of U.S. President Donald Trump, this way Ukraine would "pay off" the American aid it received.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the USA provided Ukrainians with $100 billion in aid. And he does not intend to recognize grants as debts.
Today, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Olha Stefanishyna, reported that the teams from Ukraine and the United States are in the final stages of negotiations regarding rare earth metals.
Meanwhile, Axios learned new details of the draft agreement between the USA and Ukraine regarding "rare earths."