Lukashenko criticises US-Ukraine rare earth deal

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has expressed concerns over the recent U.S.-Ukraine agreement on developing Ukraine's natural resources, including rare earth metals.

In discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko highlighted that the U.S. is demanding Ukraine's most valuable assets, encompassing not only rare earth materials but also natural gas, oil, and logistical infrastructure such as ports. He emphasised the broader implications of this issue.

In response, Putin noted that the U.S. is overlooking Russia's own abundant resources, suggesting potential negotiations and collaboration with the U.S. Putin later publicly reiterated Russia's openness to joint projects with American partners in developing rare earth metal deposits. 

This comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit the White House to formalise a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals, which are vital for sectors like aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries. 

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