Will Trump accept Moscow's rare earth mineral deal? Putin offers resources from Russia and occupied Ukraine

The growing ties between the United States and Russia during Donald Trump's second term as president has stunned the European powers and the war-torn Ukraine alike. Russian President Vladimir Putin has now offered the US access to the country's rare earth minerals.

This come after President Trump said there would be "major economic development transactions with Russia". Following the US leader's remarks, Putin met with his ministers and economic advisers to discuss joint exploration of rare earth minerals with the US.

In a shocking move, Putin suggested that the potential deal could be extended to resources in eastern Ukrainian territory under Russian control.

The Russian leader pointed out that they have more such resources than Ukraine while clarifying that the proposed deal between Washington DC and Kyiv was not a concern for Moscow.

Putin said he is ready to venture into joint projects with "our American partners". "When I say 'partners, I not only mean administrative and governmental structures but also companies, if they showed interest in joint work," Putin said.

Putin has also expressed interest in supplying 2 million tonne aluminium to the US, besides working together on hydropower generation and aluminium production in Siberia.

Earlier, the US sought 50 per cent of revenues from Ukraine's natural resources without agreeing to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's requirement of security guarantees against Russia, saying it was compensation for past aids.

However, Zelenskyy refused the offer, pointing out that it would be huge burden on future generations. Following this, both sides have held constructive talks to get a more favourable deal for Ukraine but still without the security guarantees.