The Kremlin has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to discussions with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that while no call is currently scheduled, one could be arranged swiftly if required. Trump recently expressed frustration over the lack of progress towards a ceasefire in Ukraine, threatening to impose additional tariffs on Russian oil buyers should Moscow obstruct peace efforts. His remarks came after Putin questioned the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership, prompting a strong reaction from the US president.
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Meanwhile, discussions are reportedly underway between Russia and the United States regarding cooperation on Russian rare earth minerals. Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, confirmed that American companies have shown interest in these ventures, though details remain scarce. Rare earth metals are critical components in modern technology, including smartphones and electric vehicles. Trump has vowed to improve US-Russia relations and end the war in Ukraine, but tensions persist, particularly over a minerals deal with Ukraine. The US president has warned Zelenskyy against withdrawing from the agreement, cautioning that doing so would have serious consequences.
As diplomatic negotiations continue, the war in Ukraine remains intense, with Russia launching a second consecutive night of attacks on the northeastern city of Kharkiv. Ukrainian officials reported that drone strikes damaged industrial buildings, kindergartens, and residential areas, leaving at least three people injured. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted the majority of incoming drones, though Russian forces also deployed ballistic missiles in the assault. In retaliation, Ukraine allegedly targeted Russian energy facilities in the Bryansk border region, with both sides accusing each other of violating a US-brokered ceasefire on energy infrastructure.
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This latest escalation highlights the ongoing volatility of the conflict, despite diplomatic efforts from the US and Europe. Trump has maintained that his administration is committed to negotiating peace, but his recent threats of economic retaliation against Russia suggest a hardening stance. Meanwhile, tensions surrounding rare earth minerals and energy infrastructure continue to complicate relations between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv.
