Trump eyes rare earth deals with Russia, sets hardline deadline on Ukraine war

US President Donald Trump has voiced openness to expanding trade relations with Russia, particularly in the field of rare earth metals, while simultaneously issuing a stark ultimatum to Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Speaking at a press conference in Turnberry, Scotland, Trump highlighted Russia's substantial mineral wealth as a potential foundation for future US-Russia trade, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“When it comes to rare earth metals, they have significant reserves of rare earth metals, right? They have virtually every form imaginable,” Trump said, underscoring that both countries could benefit from increased economic engagement.

Trump also claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is eager to finalize trade agreements with the United States and “talks about it constantly.” The president said he is “not opposed to trading with Russia,” noting the value of resources Russia can offer the US.

However, Trump’s openness to economic cooperation was accompanied by renewed pressure on the Kremlin to de-escalate its military campaign in Ukraine. Frustrated by what he described as “no progress,” Trump announced a revised deadline for visible movement toward peace.

“I’m going to make a new deadline, of about 10, 10 or 12 days from day. There’s no reason for waiting. It was 50 days, I wanted to be generous, but we just don’t see any progress being made,” Trump said.

The remarks suggest a shift in tone from earlier in the year, when Trump was optimistic that Putin would seek a swift end to the conflict. In a later interview with the Associated Press, Trump expressed disillusionment, stating, he had believed that Vladimir Putin wanted to end the conflict quickly and bring it to a conclusion. When asked whether a personal meeting with the Russian leader could help restart stalled negotiations, Trump responded that he was no longer interested in engaging in talks. He added that while Putin appeared respectful during conversations, people continued to die the following night, which led him to doubt the sincerity of those interactions.

By Vafa Guliyeva