Alperen Aktas
25 February 2025•Update: 25 February 2025
ISTANBUL
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday expressed Moscow’s readiness to discuss with the US the possibility of reducing defense budgets, proposing a 50% cut for both countries to ease global military tensions.
“Russia is ready to discuss with the US the possibility of cutting defense spending,” Putin said, adding, “a 50% reduction in military budgets by both countries would be a good idea,” according to Russia’s state-run Tass news agency.
Putin highlighted the importance of focusing on bilateral relations in upcoming contacts between Moscow and Washington, saying: “The nearest and possible future contacts between Russia and the US will primarily address our bilateral ties.”
Turning to economic cooperation, Putin announced Russia’s readiness to supply 2 million tons of aluminum to the US market to help stabilize prices.
He also suggested joint aluminum production projects, saying: “We can consider joint work on aluminum production, for example, in the Krasnoyarsk region.”
Putin also discussed rare earth metals, offering cooperation with the US. “Russia is ready to offer cooperation to the US on rare earth metals, including in Donbas and Novorossiya (‘New Russia’),” he said, referring to areas in eastern Ukraine illegally annexed by Russia during the Ukraine war.
He dismissed talk of a US-Ukraine agreement on rare earth resources, saying: “That’s not our business.” Putin added that before signing such agreements, “Kyiv and Washington should first evaluate the resources.”
“Russia is one of the world leaders in rare earth metal reserves,” he stressed.
On the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Putin accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of blocking talks with Moscow. “Zelenskyy cornered himself with his decree banning negotiations with Russia,” he said, adding: “He avoids talks because they would end martial law and lead to elections in Ukraine.”
Putin also criticized EU leaders, claiming they are too closely tied to Kyiv. “The current EU leaders are aligned with the Kyiv regime and can’t change their stance without losing face,” he said.
However, he stressed: “Russia has nothing against preserving Ukraine’s statehood, but Ukraine shouldn’t be used as a platform against Russia.”
On potential peace talks, Putin said Russia welcomes EU participation in resolving the Ukraine conflict but believes the voices of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other member states) and other countries should also be considered. “The EU’s involvement in Ukraine negotiations could be valuable, but Europe cannot impose conditions,” he added.
On US politics, Putin commented on President Donald Trump’s communication style. “Trump acts directly and without much restraint. It’s his privilege to say whatever he wants,” he said.
Putin confirmed Trump’s earlier statements that Russian and US companies are discussing large-scale economic projects within the broader framework of resolving the Ukraine conflict.
