While I think this is a great deal for both parties, I’m also concerned that whatever infrastructure is built to mine these minerals (which is generally considerable) is within spitting distance of Russia and will present a perpetually tempting target for Putin or whomever succeeds him. It’s like a permanent piece of bait laid out within striking distance.
That's a damning indictment of Russian leaders in particular, Russians in general, and Russia as a country.
I notice that nobody worries about America invading Canada or Mexico for their petroleum and other mineral resources ... or for their arable land. Funny how it works that way.
It's time for Russia to grow up and fix its own problems instead of invading its neighbors.