Ukraine's mineral riches: Zelensky warns of Russian ambitions

Zelensky explained that although Russians occupy 20% of the country's territory, they haven't taken over 20% of the mineral resources. However, the value of the resources they control may amount to hundreds of billions of dollars. The President highlighted the necessity of protecting mineral-rich regions like Dnipropetrovsk.

He noted that Vladimir Putin plans to supply the seized resources to allies, including North Korea and Iran. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine does not intend to "give away" its resources but offers them on a mutually beneficial partnership basis to countries supporting it in the conflict against Russia.

Zelensky reminded that Ukraine has the largest reserves of titanium and uranium in Europe. U.S. President Donald Trump suggested a few days ago that Ukraine should secure U.S. access to rare earth metals in exchange for continued military aid. Zelensky had already spoken with Trump about providing access to Ukrainian deposits in exchange for security guarantees.

Russia has seized over 80% of Ukraine's coal resources and 25% of its oil deposits but cannot use most of them. The conflict has devastated Donbas, one of Europe's richest regions in natural resources. Russians have taken nearly 100% of the dolomite and carbonate mineral deposits, significantly impacting Ukraine's economy.

Experts suggest that destabilization in the Donbas region could drive up resource prices, potentially benefiting Moscow. Russia is capitalizing on the surge in energy resource prices to replenish reserves.

Ukraine possesses about 20,000 mineral deposits and 117 different types of minerals, positioning it as one of the richest regions in terms of mineral resources. These resources could not only meet the needs of the Ukrainian economy but also bolster its export potential. Despite its own resources, Russia could capitalize on Ukrainian resources as an additional source.