Putin ready to work with U.S. to develop mineral mining in Ukraine’s Russian-controlled areas

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he is ready to work with the United States to mine key minerals.

Putin on Monday local time said that Russia was ready to work with foreign partners including the U.S. to develop the reserves of rare and critical minerals, including in regions of Ukraine currently under Russian control.

This comes as the Trump administration urges Ukraine to sign an agreement that will give the U.S. access to Ukraine's mineral resources in exchange for security guarantees and economic aid.

Putin also had a call with China's President Xi Jinping, where he told Xi that Russia is working towards achieving a "sustainable peace."