Putin responds to moves by the US and China – he orders plan to reduce reliance on rare earths

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the Russian government to present a plan by early December for the extraction of rare earths—raw materials that are crucial for modern technologies and the defense industry.

The decision comes at a time when the US has secured favorable access to Ukrainian deposits and China has restricted exports, exacerbating geopolitical tensions over these strategic raw materials.

Moscow has expressed interest in cooperating with Washington, but the prospects are significantly hampered by the war in Ukraine.

Putin also called for the expansion of transport infrastructure on the borders with China and North Korea, including the construction of a new bridge to be completed by 2026. These measures are part of a broader strategy of economic rapprochement with Asian neighbors in response to Western sanctions.
Details of the planned mining program have not yet been released.

(reuters, lup)