Trump might offer Putin access to rare earth minerals in Alaska in exchange for ending the war in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump plans to provide several economic incentives at his meeting with Russian Dictator Vladimir Putin today in order to persuade him to agree to end the war in Ukraine. These proposals include giving Moscow access to rare earth minerals, including in occupied Ukrainian territories, as well as the development of Alaska’s natural resources. The US is also considering lifting some sanctions against the Russian aviation industry and allowing Russia to exploit natural resources in the Bering Strait, which separates Alaska from Russia by only three miles and holds significant unexplored oil and gas reserves, including 13% of the world’s oil reserves. A separate deal is being discussed that would give Russia access to lithium deposits in occupied Ukrainian territories. Ukraine owns about 10% of the world’s reserves of this strategic metal, which is used in battery production. Europe may approve such measures, provided they do not “encourage” Russia’s continued involvement in the war in Ukraine. Lifting sanctions against Russian aviation could also benefit American manufacturer Boeing.