Ukraine's critical minerals draw global interest amid conflict
Ukraine boasts some of the largest deposits of critical resources in the world, including rare earth metals, lithium, and graphite. Their value is estimated to be in the tens of trillions of dollars. Most of these reserves are located in areas affected by fighting or occupied by Russia, according to an analysis by the American magazine "Newsweek."
Ukrainian deposits of rare earth metals, essential for the technology and defense industries, have become the focus of global competition. The value of these deposits is estimated to be in the trillions of dollars, with the largest resources found in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions—most of which are occupied by Russia.
According to the Ukrainian Geological Service, the country holds 5% of the world's critical resource reserves. Particularly valuable is graphite, with reserves of 21 million tonnes (about 23 million Imperial tons), placing Ukraine among the global leaders.
Significant are also the deposits of lithium—comprising as much as 33% of all European reserves of this essential element for battery production. Before the Russian invasion, Ukraine was also responsible for 7% of the world's titanium production, used in the aerospace and energy industries.
Meanwhile, Russia, which controls significant mineral-rich areas, has expressed readiness to work with the USA in the extraction of rare earth metals. Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russian deposits in the Donbas might become crucial for the global resource market.
The interest of American companies in Ukrainian minerals is no coincidence. On Monday, at 5:00 PM ET, US President Donald Trump announced that his administration was close to finalizing an agreement with Kyiv regarding the exploitation of these resources. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna also confirmed the agreement.
Ukraine agrees to deal with USA
Meanwhile, according to unofficial reports by the "Financial Times," Ukraine agreed to the American minerals deal after Washington relaxed its most stringent demands.
According to the Financial Times, Kyiv is now prepared to finalize an agreement for the joint development of its mineral resources, including oil and gas, following the U.S. decision to withdraw its claims to $500 billion in potential revenue from their exploitation.
Ukrainian officials expressed hope that this agreement will improve relations with US President Donald Trump's administration and pave the way for long-term US involvement in the country's security.
