Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump is planning to present a proposal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which includes several economic concessions aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine.
The British publication “The Telegraph” revealed that the proposals feature granting Russia access to natural resources in Alaska and rare earth minerals in Ukraine, in addition to lifting certain sanctions imposed on the Russian aviation sector.
According to the article, Trump is expected to arrive at the upcoming meeting with Putin in Alaska laden with financial opportunities for Moscow, including the opening of Alaska’s natural resources to Russia and the relaxation of some U.S. sanctions targeting Russian aerospace industries. The plans also propose granting Putin access to rare earth minerals located in Ukrainian territories under Russian control.
An informed source noted that a series of economic incentives are on the table, including the possibility of reaching an agreement regarding these rare minerals. Ukraine holds about 10% of the world’s lithium reserves, a crucial mineral for battery production, with two of the largest lithium deposits located in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. Putin has expressed a firm interest in these valuable minerals.
Last May, the United States signed an agreement with Kyiv regarding rare earth elements, allowing for the exploitation of abundant natural resources in Ukraine, with the establishment of new mining operations potentially expedited through cooperation with Russia.
The report highlighted that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Pienkowski briefed Trump on the potential economic concessions that Washington could extend to Russia in efforts to expedite a ceasefire agreement. These concessions include lifting the ban on exporting parts and equipment for the maintenance of Russian aircraft, which have suffered due to Western sanctions following the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022, compelling airlines and the military to dismantle older aircraft for spare parts.
The Telegraph also noted that Trump is planning a second meeting with Putin following the initial conversation, to include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating, “If the first meeting goes well, we will quickly hold a second meeting between President Putin, President Zelensky, and myself, should they wish for me to host.”
Additionally, Trump is contemplating offering Russia the opportunity to exploit natural resources in the strait separating the two nations, which is estimated to contain undiscovered oil and gas reserves, including around 13% of the world’s oil reserves.
A British government source commented that these incentives could be acceptable in Europe if presented in a way that does not appear as a reward to Putin, adding, “It must be presented in alignment with public opinion, and cannot be perceived as a prize for Putin.”
The U.S.-Russia summit between Trump and Putin is scheduled to take place on Friday in Alaska.