Financial encyclopedia

One of the core interest battlefields in the Russia Ukraine war is Ukraine's abundant mineral resources, and Zelensky's delayed signing of the mineral agreement is due to several important reasons:

The most underestimated mineral treasure trove in Ukraine is crucial for the US new energy, military technology, and semiconductor industries.

Lithium: Europe's largest lithium ore reserve, a key material for electric vehicle batteries.

Titanium: the fifth largest titanium ore reserve in the world, indispensable to the military industry.

Uranium: Europe's largest uranium reserves, affecting nuclear energy supply and military technology.

Rare earth: its content can challenge China's monopoly, although it has not been fully developed, its strategic value is extremely high.

The United States wants these resources because they are the key to global competition in the next 20 years, and Ukraine holds a large reserve, making it a battleground.

Why does the United States want to monopolize Ukrainian minerals?

Counter China

China controls 60-80% of global rare earth processing capacity, while the United States hopes to reduce dependence and ensure that the supply chain of new energy and military industries is not constrained by China.

Countering Russia

Russia has long controlled the eastern mining area of Ukraine, and after the outbreak of war, the Russian army quickly occupied mineral rich areas.

If Ukraine can regain control after the war and cooperate with the United States, the United States will directly weaken Russia's economic and military strength.

Preparation for future wars

Rare earths, titanium, and nickel are key materials for F-35 fighter jets, hypersonic weapons, and AI drones.

Other countries' reactions?

EU: Germany, France, Poland hope to invest in Ukrainian minerals, but the United States is trying to exclude European companies and wants to monopolize resources

China: began investing in rare earth and lithium mines before the war.

Russia: Military control over the eastern mining area of Ukraine, unwilling to tilt towards the West, to ensure its advantage in mineral competition.

Why did Zelensky delay signing the agreement?

Strict conditions: The United States may demand a monopoly on Ukrainian minerals, and Zelensky is concerned about becoming a mining colony of the United States.

Avoiding falling out with Europe: The EU also wants to participate, and if Ukraine signs the US agreement independently, Europe may reduce post-war aid.

War undecided: Eastern Ukraine is still a battlefield, and it is uncertain how many mining areas can be recaptured. It is still too early to negotiate an agreement now.

China factor: China is an important trading partner of Ukraine, and Zelensky is unwilling to completely lean towards the United States to avoid affecting bilateral relations.

This Ukrainian mineral war is not just a war, but also a global energy and military confrontation between major powers