Ukrainian intelligence has information that Russia plans to mine lithium, titanium, graphite and other minerals in the temporarily occupied south of Ukraine. In addition, according to intelligence information, the Russian leadership is not preparing to observe the ceasefire on May 9. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to him, in the occupied territories of southern Ukraine, Russia is allegedly preparing “virtually the same processes of plunder and deindustrialization that it carried out in the occupied Donbas.”
Zelensky, citing intelligence data, said that the Russians plan to conduct geological exploration, quickly begin production, and export valuable raw materials from at least 18 deposits. These are deposits of titanium, lithium, tantalum, niobium, zircon, molybdenum and graphite.
“In addition, the occupiers are planning further measures to seize and export this year’s grain harvest. We are preparing to counter it,” he noted.
Zelensky also reported that direct losses from the Defense Forces’ strikes deep into Russia continue to grow. According to him, “long-range sanctions” are particularly noticeably affecting the state of the budgets of Russian regions.
At the same time, according to intelligence, the Russian leadership is not preparing for a ceasefire before May 9, despite previous statements. The President reported that air defense rings are being strengthened around Moscow due to the large-scale movement of air defense from Russian regions.
“This shows that the Russian leadership is not preparing for the ceasefire, about which so many statements have been made, and is more worried about its parade in Moscow than about the rest of Russia. At the same time, we note that this opens up additional opportunities for our long-range sanctions. Our corresponding priorities will be determined,” Zelensky emphasized.
On May 6, Zelensky also stated that Russia had disrupted the ceasefire regime proposed on the night of May 6. According to him, as of 10:00, the Russian army had violated the regime of silence 1,820 times.
