MINSK, February 27. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has stated that he discussed the issue of an agreement between the United States and Ukraine regarding minerals with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Concerning these rare-earth materials, I raised the issue in my conversation with President Putin," Lukashenko noted. "I remarked that it seems rather strange - the Americans are demanding that Ukraine provide them with its most valuable resources. It's not just rare-earth materials that the US is focusing on; the agenda also includes natural gas, oil, logistics, and more. This is a broader issue. I expressed my viewpoint to Putin, to which he replied that 'the Americans are pushing at an open door; Russia possesses everything, and we can negotiate and collaborate with them.' He later reiterated this publicly."

In an interview with American blogger Mario Nawfal, excerpts of which were quoted by BelTA, Lukashenko suggested that the agreement between the US and Ukraine concerning rare-earth metals might raise concerns in Russia. "I believe so. I have not yet discussed these issues with Russia or with Putin, but we will address this topic. It may indeed alarm Russia, if it perceives these agreements as extending beyond economic relations," the Belarusian president remarked. "If it pertains solely to the economy and does not involve the military-industrial complex, weapons, or armed forces, then why not? Russia will have nothing to worry about."

Lukashenko acknowledged that one might feel uneasy about a powerful nation like the United States mining minerals in close proximity and establishing its own businesses. "It is probably not very pleasant," he said. "While you could be doing this, others are taking the initiative instead. However, Russia will manage. It is a large country and possesses ample resources."