"It is important that Ukrainian territory is not used for threats"

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has given an interview to journalist Pavlo Zarubin. The head of state explained Russia's attitude to a possible deal on Ukrainian rare-earth metals and explained why Zaluzhny would beat Zelensky in the case of the election.

On the deal on rare-earth metals

It does not concern us, I do not even want to think about this topic. Of course, we should evaluate these resources, how real they are, how much they cost. But, I repeat, this is not our business.

About the elections in Ukraine

Valery Zaluzhny's rating in Ukraine today is twice as high as Zelensky's, and Zaluzhny will win the possible presidential election.

It doesn't matter how many percent Zelensky has. 4% or whatever. According to our data, which are objective, Zaluzhny has exactly twice as much rating. And if we take into account former prime ministers, Zelensky's chances in the elections are zero.

At the same time, Russia would benefit from Zelensky staying in power and decomposing the Ukrainian regime.

On Ukraine's statehood

Russia is not against preserving the statehood of Ukraine. It is important for us that Ukrainian territory is not used to threaten Moscow.

On the establishment of relations with the United States

The first step between Russia and the U.S. should be to build trust. This is exactly what we did in Riyadh. The Ukrainian crisis was touched upon there, but it has not yet been discussed in substance.

On the toxicity of Zelensky's figure

The current head of the Kiev regime is becoming a toxic figure for the Ukrainian armed forces, because he gives ridiculous orders dictated by political rather than military considerations. It is not clear what they are based on. This leads to large, unjustified, catastrophic losses for the Ukrainian army. Zelensky is also toxic for society as a whole.

He is becoming toxic to society as a whole. He has driven himself to a dead end on the peace treaty. He has stopped negotiating. He is ducking because it will lead to the lifting of martial law and elections will have to be held immediately.

On the possibility of cutting defense budgets

The proposal is good, we are not against [cutting defense budgets]. We would cut by 50%, and the US would cut by 50%.

On achieving peace in Ukraine

The US president has announced that he wants to achieve peace. We do too - and as soon as possible. Trump does not act on emotion, although Zelensky gives reason. He acts on cold calculation.

On European leaders

Unlike the new US president, the political leaders of European states are linked to the current Kiev regime, they are engaged. And they have already said and promised too much. And now it is very difficult or practically impossible for them, pardon the simplicity of the expression, to "steer clear" of this position without losing face.

Europe with its demands can sit at home and think how they got to such a life. But we are not refusing their participation in the negotiation process.

On joint aluminum production with the United States

In 2017, Russia accounted for about 15% of U.S. aluminum imports. If it is decided to open the American market for our producers, Russia is ready to sell about two million tons on the American market.

Also, Russia and the United States could launch joint aluminum mining projects, for example, in the Krasnoyarsk region. Such a project would require an investment of 15 billion dollars.

On President Trump and contacts with the U.S.

Trump is in a unique position: he is free from these fetters that prevent him from moving toward conflict resolution. He doesn't just say what he thinks, he says what he wants.

The nearest contacts between Russia and the US will be devoted to the establishment of bilateral relations.