Russia is rich in rare earth supplies and is willing to use them to achieve a better deal from the US regarding Ukraine, according to a senior official in the Moscow government.

This suggestion comes with a comment listing areas of potential cooperation between the two powers that have not resolved a major geopolitical issue hindering bilateral business - ending the war.

Russia offers the US to exploit its rich rare earth resources.

Russia is playing another card in the context of a cautious approach to the United States, part of complex negotiations on how to end military conflict in Ukraine.

The two countries could cooperate in the metallurgy industry, including projects related to precious metals and rare earth elements, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with TASS. He also emphasized opportunities for nuclear trade, expressing:

"In traditional industries, there is room for cooperation. For example, Russia can supply uranium for US nuclear fuel production. This also applies to the steel industry. Our president has also mentioned the possibility of cooperation on precious metals and rare earth metals."

The Russian Federation has significant reserves of these metals, creating opportunities for joint initiatives, Manturov emphasized.

"Other areas may arise as we progress on the topics I mentioned," the Russian Deputy Prime Minister added.

This proposal comes after a recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump in Alaska.

Speaking to the press after the conversation, Putin emphasized that resolving the Ukraine conflict was the main topic of the conference.

At the same time, the Russian leader called for a new page in relations with the United States and a return to bilateral cooperation.

Rare earths have become a bargaining chip in peace negotiations.

In his interview, Denis Manturov referred to Putin's statements this year. He first proposed in February that Russia was willing to work with the US on precious metal extraction.

Furthermore, the Kremlin leader clarified that his proposal includes the annexed regions of Ukraine:

"We are willing to attract foreign partners to the so-called new regions. There are also some reserves there."

Rare earths are a group of more than a dozen metallic elements with magnetic and other unique properties, making them essential for high-tech applications, from electronics and electric motors to defense systems.

Although they are not actually rare in the Earth's crust, low concentrations make their extraction quite difficult and certainly costly.

This spring, the Trump administration signed a major "mineral agreement" with Ukraine allowing the US preferential access to the country's natural resources, including rare earth metals.

According to Washington, this agreement will help return billions of dollars worth of US military equipment to the Eastern European nation invaded by Russia in 2022.

Rare earths have become a bargaining chip in peace negotiations. According to a report from the Telegraph published before the meeting in Anchorage, Trump wants to offer Putin access to Alaska's natural resources and rare earth metals in regions of Ukraine currently occupied by Russia.

When asked to comment, the US president tried to downplay the importance of the issue:

"Regarding rare earths, that is very unimportant. I am trying to save lives."

The exchange of offers from both sides has been going on for a long time. This week, a report from Reuters revealed that the US has wooed Russia with energy deals before and during the presidential conference.

In a meeting with workers in the nuclear industry last week, Vladimir Putin confirmed that Moscow and Washington are exploring opportunities for joint work in the state of Alaska in the liquefied natural gas sector and revealed that discussions also involve Russia's Arctic region.

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