Russia Expresses Concern Over G7's Rare Earth Initiatives in Central Asia
Russia has raised concerns regarding the efforts of the G7 nations, including the US and EU, to secure access to rare earths and critical minerals in Central Asia. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that these efforts are not merely economic competition but an attempt to push Russia out and establish a Western-controlled infrastructure near its borders. The G7's initiative aims to diversify from China's dominance in rare earth supply chains, which are crucial for technologies like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense systems. Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are considered by Russia as part of its sphere of interest. 
