Russia is ready to consider major economic projects with the United States, including within the framework of the Ukrainian settlement, President Vladimir Putin told VGTRK reporter Pavel Zarubin following a meeting on the development of the rare earths industry.

The head of state called the position of his US counterpart Donald Trump regarding the current authorities in Kiev rational and expressed the opinion that elections in Ukraine would help preserve its statehood.

TASS has compiled the main statements of the Russian president.

Rare earths, other projects

Russia is one of the world’s undisputed leaders in rare earth metal reserves, "we have them in the north, in Murmansk, and in the Caucasus, in Kabardino-Balkaria, and in the Far East, in the Irkutsk region, in the Yakutia and Tyva [republics]."

Rare earth metals are the most important resource base of the modern economy: "And we have not done enough in this direction so far. We should do more."

Russia would be happy to work with any foreign partners in the rare earths industry, including American partners.

Moscow is ready to offer American and other foreign partners to participate in rare earth mining projects, including in Donbass and Novorossiya: "There are certain reserves there, too. We are ready to work there with our partners, including the Americans."

Russia and the US could also consider joint work on aluminum production: "For example, in the Krasnoyarsk Region, back in Soviet times, there were plans to build a new hydroelectric power plant and create additional aluminum production facilities."

If American companies work in Russia, "they will make a decent profit, and the corresponding amounts of aluminum will be delivered to the domestic market at absolutely acceptable market prices. There is a lot to think about here."

Russia, US, Ukraine

The forthcoming US-Ukraine agreement on rare earths and other resources does not affect Russia in any way. "Of course, it would be necessary to assess this resource, how real it is, how many of these resources are there, how much they cost and so on."

Russian and US companies are discussing major economic projects as part of the Ukrainian settlement: "Yes, some of our companies are in contact with each other and are discussing such projects."

US President Donald Trump's actions regarding the Kiev authorities are not based on emotions, but on rational cold calculation, "a rational approach to the current situation."

"He can move forward and work toward a settlement of the conflict," the head of state said. "And it's in his character, I guess - he acts straightforwardly and without much embarrassment. He has a unique position. He doesn't just say what he thinks, he says what he wants. Well, that's the privilege of a leader, one of the great leaders."

Obstacle to peace

Russia and the United States want to achieve peace in Ukraine as soon as possible, "and the current head of the regime stands in the way of this goal.

Vladimir Zelensky is a factor in the disintegration of Ukraine, Trump realizes this and wants to revitalize the political environment there, "to create conditions for the survival of the Ukrainian state." "And in general, this is not so much for the benefit of Russia, we have a conflict with the current regime, but for the benefit of Ukraine itself."

Vladimir Zelensky gives ridiculous orders "dictated not by military, but by political considerations" that lead to unjustifiably high losses.

Russia is not against the preservation of Ukrainian statehood, but the country should not be used as a hostile bridgehead. "So that it eventually becomes a friendly neighboring state."

Although Russia would benefit from Vladimir Zelensky remaining in power, it is in the interest of Ukrainian statehood to "bring to power people who enjoy the trust of the Ukrainian people."

Ukrainian elections

Vladimir Zelensky shies away from talks because "if these negotiations begin, sooner or later, most likely quite soon, it will lead to the need to lift martial law. And as soon as that happens, it will be necessary to hold elections immediately."

Zelensky is becoming toxic "for society as a whole." "This is evidenced by today's vote in the Rada (the Ukrainian parliament - TASS) to extend his powers."

The rating of Ukraine's former top military commander Valery Zaluzhny is twice as high as that of Vladimir Zelensky.

BRICS, EU and others

Russia respects the initiatives of the BRICS partners on Ukraine: "I just talked to the Chinese president today, and we also talked about this."

Moscow is not against the EU's participation in the Ukrainian settlement, but considers the position of other countries important: "And we treat it with respect."

The current leaders of European countries are tied to the Kiev regime: "And they have said and promised too much. And now it is very difficult or practically impossible for them to get out of this situation without losing face."