Putin Orders Roadmap for Russia Rare Earths Extraction, Border Transport Links

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his cabinet to develop a roadmap by December 1 for the extraction of rare earth minerals, highlighting their strategic importance for technologies like smartphones, electric vehicles, and defense systems. This directive, stemming from discussions at the Far Eastern Economic Forum, also includes plans to improve transport infrastructure at Russia's borders with China and North Korea, including existing and planned railway bridges. Russia possesses significant reserves of rare earth metals and seeks to reduce reliance on China, which currently dominates global production and has restricted exports in response to U.S. tariffs. While Russia has expressed interest in partnering with the U.S. on rare earth projects, progress has been hindered by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has secured preferential access to Ukrainian mineral deals, emphasizing the growing geopolitical competition over rare earth resources. Both China and North Korea have strengthened economic ties with Russia amid Western sanctions related to the Ukraine war.