Former U.S. President Donald Trump plans to present a series of economic proposals during today’s meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, aimed at convincing the Kremlin to end the war against Ukraine. Among the key initiatives is the possibility of granting Moscow access to rare earth minerals in Alaska, as well as in the territories of Ukraine that are under occupation.
This is reported by Business • Media
Potential Economic Concessions in the Negotiations
According to information being discussed in Washington, the proposal package also includes the lifting of some restrictions imposed on the Russian aviation industry and permission to utilize natural resources in the Bering Strait. This area separates Alaska and Russia by only three miles and is estimated to contain significant reserves of oil and gas, including about 13% of the world’s oil reserves.
Separately, negotiations are underway regarding Russia’s access to lithium deposits in the occupied Ukrainian territories. Ukraine holds approximately 10% of the world’s supply of this crucial metal, which is strategically necessary for battery production. Europe may agree to such concessions if they do not contribute to further military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. At the same time, lifting sanctions on the Russian aviation sector could benefit the American aerospace company Boeing.
Summit Details and Negotiation Participants
To ensure Vladimir Putin’s participation in the negotiations in Alaska, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has temporarily lifted a number of sanctions related to the organizational expenses of the Russian delegation until August 20. According to Russian Federation presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the meeting between Trump and Putin will begin with a one-on-one session involving translators, after which the negotiations will continue in an expanded delegation format. The Russian delegation includes Ushakov himself, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev. After the negotiations, the leaders of the two countries are set to hold a joint press conference. The summit is scheduled to begin at 10:30 PM Kyiv time.
“According to The Telegraph, among the proposals is Moscow’s access to rare earth minerals, including in territories of Ukraine that are under occupation, as well as the opening of Alaska’s natural resources.”