Russia, US discuss rare earth metals cooperation

MOSCOW/WASHINGTON — Russia and the United States have started talks on joint rare earth metals and other projects in Russia, and some companies have already expressed interest in them, President Vladimir Putin's investment envoy said in remarks published on Monday.

Amid efforts by US President Donald Trump to end the conflict in Ukraine, minerals cooperation with Washington has been floated by both Kyiv and Moscow, though Trump said on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants to back out of a proposed deal.

Putin suggested in February that the US might be interested in exploring joint exploration for rare earth metals deposits in Russia, which has the world's fifth-largest reserves of such metals — used in lasers and military equipment.