Trump wants rare land from Ukraine to decrease China’s dependence
Ukraine holds reservations of 22 of the 34 minerals identified by the European Union as critics, according to its Ministry of Economy. Ukrainian President Voodymyr Zelensky also says he has the largest titanium reserve in Europe, an essential component for the common and space aviation industry, as well as uranium reserves used for nuclear energy and weapons.
It is also in the Ukrainian territory that is the largest confirmed reserve of lithium in Europe, with about 500 thousand tons, according to the geological service. The metal is vital for batteries, ceramics and glass. The country’s graphite reserves, a key component for electric vehicle batteries and nuclear reactors, represent 20% of global resources.
But Ukraine has limited access to the metals themselves, as the main deposits are in areas dominated by the Russians. About 40% of metallic resources in the country are now under Russian occupation, according to estimates from the Ukrainian Think-Tanks we built Ukraine and the National Institute for Strategic Studies, with data until the first half of 2024.
The idea of sharing the rare lands with the US is in the “Victory Plan” presented by Volodymyr Zelensky to allies in an attempt to strengthen the Ukrainian position in possible negotiations with Russia. The Ukrainian President also warned that, in the hands of the Russians, resources may end North Korea and Iran, declared enemies from the US. “We need to stop putin and protect what we have.”
Zelensky says he won’t “donate” resources but offer them in a mutually beneficial partnership to develop them together. “Americans have helped more and therefore they should earn more. And they must have this priority and will have”
Following Trump’s recent statement, the Ukrainian President said he was ready to reach an agreement that allows the US to explore rare terrace deposits and other minerals.
