The Russian ambassador announced Trump's desire to obtain rare earth metals from Canada

The President USA Donald Trump wants to control Canada's rare earth metals. He stated this in an interview on February 26 TASS Russian Ambassador to Ottawa Oleg Stepanov.

According to him, Canadian expert circles are unhappy with Trump's words about Canada's inclusion in the United States as 51 states to avoid trade duties. The Russian ambassador suggested that the pressure on Canada from the American side will continue to grow due to the planned revision of the plan of the North American free trade agreement NAFTA-2 (CUSMA) in 2026.

"At first, the comments of the White House host were perceived here as an unfunny joke. Realizing that the Republican was not backing down, the entire political class, regardless of party affiliation, began to compete in the race for the title of the main Canadian patriot," the ambassador stressed.

Stepanov also recalled the words of Canadian Ambassador to Washington Kirsten Hillman, who, in response to the US promise to impose duties, said that Canada would be ready to fully provide the country with uranium, including replacing supplies from Russia.

"Canada is generally a treasure trove of minerals that are in high demand for America. And in the future, it is Canadian raw materials that will flow to the United States on preferential terms. This is logical and predictable," the ambassador said.

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On February 2, the US president said that if Canada wants to achieve tax cuts and avoid paying customs duties, it href="https://iz.ru/1832499/2025-02-02/tramp-predlozhil-kanade-stat-51-m-shtatom-ssha-radi-otmeny-poshlin"> It should become part of the United States as the 51st state. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on February 7 called Trump's threat to make Canada the 51st state a real threat. According to him, the American president is not joking when he announces Canada's entry into the United States, as he intends to gain access to the country's minerals.