Russia Raises Concerns Over Western Push For Central Asian Minerals
Russia has expressed concern over growing efforts by the United States and the European Union to secure access to rare earths and critical minerals in Central Asia, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.
Speaking to Izvestia newspaper, Galuzin said Moscow viewed the Western push into the resource-rich region as both an economic and geopolitical challenge.
West Seeks Alternatives To China
The United States, the European Union and other G7 nations have intensified efforts to diversify supply chains away from China, which dominates global rare earth processing and production.
Rare earths and critical minerals are essential for industries including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, semiconductors and defence technologies.
As governments seek to reduce dependence on Beijing, Western nations have explored partnerships, financing mechanisms and new trade agreements with mineral-producing countries across Central Asia.
The region includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Moscow Warns Against Western Influence
Russia has historically regarded Central Asia as part of its sphere of influence. However, the region has increasingly attracted attention from both China and Western powers because of its strategic location and mineral wealth.
“We are concerned by the intensity with which Washington is pushing agreements on critical minerals and rare earth metals,” Galuzin told Izvestia.
“This is not merely about economic competition, but about an attempt to push Russia out and create a Western-controlled infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of our borders.”
The remarks underline Moscow’s growing sensitivity to foreign investment and geopolitical competition in neighbouring states.
Trump Highlights Critical Minerals Strategy
U.S. President Donald Trump identified critical minerals as a strategic priority during a White House meeting with leaders from five Central Asian nations in November.
Trump said his administration was working to expand and secure American supply chains through new international agreements focused on critical resources.
The global race for rare earths has intensified as countries seek stable access to minerals needed for energy transition technologies and advanced manufacturing.
At the same time, competition over control of supply chains has increasingly become a source of geopolitical tension among major powers.
With inputs from Reuters