Russian-US business cooperation signals gradual restoration of ties, Kremlin says

Russian and United States businesses showing interest in joint projects marks the beginning of a gradual restoration of bilateral ties, a Kremlin official stated on Monday.

In an interview with Russian media outlet Izvestia, Kirill Dmitriev, Moscow’s special envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, revealed that discussions between Russia and the U.S. on rare earth metals projects have begun. Dmitriev noted that while some American companies have expressed interest, specific details are still lacking.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed this mutual interest, cautioning that this is only the initial step in reviving relations, which he said were at their lowest point following the Biden administration. “Considerable efforts are required to correct the situation,” Peskov emphasized.

Peskov also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump’s remarks during an NBC News interview that he would speak with Putin this week were acknowledged by Peskov, though he downplayed Trump’s criticisms of Putin’s stance on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The two countries are reportedly working on ideas related to settling the Ukraine war, though specifics have not yet emerged. Peskov mentioned that the Black Sea ceasefire agreed between Russia and Ukraine earlier this month remains under development, with both sides trading accusations of violating the deal.

Le Pen conviction sparks Kremlin criticism

Peskov also addressed the conviction of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, accusing European capitals of trampling democratic norms. “Our observations indicate that more European capitals are straying beyond the bounds of democracy during the political process,” he said.

Le Pen, a prominent figure in the 2027 French presidential race, was convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to four years in prison, with two years suspended. Additionally, she has been barred from running for office for five years and fined €100,000. Her National Rally party was ordered to pay €2 million.