Bangladesh, March 21 -- In yet another indication of his desire to reorient American foreign policy towards economic pragmatism, US President Donald Trump has emphasized the importance of rebuilding economic ties with Russia. In a recent interview with Breitbart, Trump cited Russias vast landmass and abundant natural resources, particularly rare earth elements (REEs), as a compelling reason to rekindle trade relations with Moscow.

The remarks followed a phone conversation on March 18 between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which both leaders reportedly agreed that improved US-Russia relations would yield “enormous economic deals” once peace is secured in Ukraine. The conversation, as relayed by the White Ho...