MINSK, 27 February (BelTA) - Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko commented on the upcoming deal that includes US access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals as he gave an interview to U.S. blogger Mario Nawfal on 27 February, BelTA has learned.
“As for access to rare earth materials, I raised this issue [in a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin] and told him: 'It is a little strange that the USA demands Ukraine give them the most valuable things it has. This deal is not only about rare earth materials. It is about natural gas, oil, logistics (access to ports) and so on. There is a broader issue at stake. I explained my position to Putin. He remarked that the Americans are banging on an open door. Russia has all of these resources and is open to negotiations and cooperation'. And then he voiced it publicly,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The head of state believes that the agreement between the United States and Ukraine regarding rare earth minerals could cause concern for Russia, and it is likely that this is already the case.
“This is my opinion. I have not discussed these matters with Russia and with Putin, but we will do so. It could probably raise concerns if Russia feels that these arrangements go beyond economic relations. If they are purely about the economy, not the military-industrial complex, weapons, armed forces, then why not? Russia will continue working,” the Belarusian leader said.
“Yes, it's not very pleasant to have such a powerful state as the United States of America extracting minerals, setting up enterprises across your fence. I guess it is not enjoyable. It could have been your job, but instead others are doing it. But Russia will survive this. Russia is huge and has enough resources,” the president added.
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