Trump Says Talks With Putin on Hold, Points to Russian Rare Earths Trade

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he is “not so interested” in speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing Moscow’s wartime spending and a weakened economy. “Russia could be so rich right now; instead they spend all their money on war and killing people,” Trump told reporters on 28 July. Trump added that he had once envisioned expanding commerce with Russia and singled out rare-earth minerals as a potential area for trade. The metals are vital for high-tech and defense applications, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions have sharply curtailed bilateral economic ties.