Trump envoy suggests post-war resource partnership with Russia
Steve Witkoff, an envoy of Trump, suggested the possibility of US cooperation with Russia in the extraction of resources after the conclusion of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, according to reports by Fox News.
In a conversation on Fox News, Steve Witkoff, an envoy of former US President Donald Trump, discussed the prospect of economic cooperation between the United States and Russia. Witkoff highlighted the potential for collaboration in the field of natural resource extraction, including rare earth metals, once the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has ended.
"Well, the mineral rights in Ukraine are quite extensive, but, by the way, they are quite extensive in Russia. And I think there will be plenty of opportunities for the US with Russia when this peace deal [on ending the Russia-Ukraine war] gets finished," stated Steve Witkoff on Fox News.
The American envoy was questioned about the possibility of extracting rare earth metals in Russia. "I think there will be plenty of economic cooperation opportunities between the two countries. Yes," he confirmed.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also commented on this matter, highlighting Russia’s abundant resources of rare earth metals. "Americans need rare earth metals. We have a large supply," he remarked on Tuesday. He added that Russia has "its own plans for exploiting strategic resources, but there are considerable opportunities for cooperation here."
US-Ukraine agreement
The full version of the document has already been published online. It outlines the establishment of a Reconstruction Fund to support Ukraine's rebuilding efforts and stabilise its economy. The Fund will primarily be financed from revenues generated by Ukrainian natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals, with 50 percent earmarked for this account. Additionally, financial support from the USA in the form of cash and financial instruments is anticipated.
Mykhailo Podolak announced that the new agreement with the USA regarding mineral resources would include key annexes.
"I want us to set the priorities correctly from the outset. There is much speculation surrounding this agreement (concerning mineral resources – PAP). However, it is a framework document that lays the foundation for a strategic partnership with the United States," stressed Podolak.
