Ukraine’s strategic resources have become the center of the geopolitical game: Senator Graham on ending the war on favorable terms
The world has long pondered the riches of Ukraine’s subsoil and their importance for the global economy. Dependence on strategic resources, such as rare earth elements, titanium, lithium and other critically important metals, stimulates the economic and political interests of the world’s largest states. This is especially important in times of energy and technological change, when resources become the key to future development. Ukraine, which has one of the world’s largest deposits of strategic minerals, has again found itself in the center of attention of world industrial giants and political leaders.
U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, speaking on Fox News, stated, that Ukraine is “the richest country in Europe”, and that is why the newly elected US President Donald Trump intends to help it win the war with Russia.
Natural treasures of Ukraine
Lindsey Graham emphasized that Ukraine is a breadbasket for many countries, especially for developing countries. In particular, 50% of the food supplied to Africa comes from Ukraine. But this is far from the only reason why the US has a strategic interest in supporting Kyiv. Ukrainian subsoil contains huge reserves of uranium, titanium, lithium, graphite and other valuable materials that are critically important for modern industry and the energy transition.
“The richest country in Europe in terms of rare earth elements is Ukraine. The value of rare earth elements ranges from two to seven trillion dollars. Ukraine is the breadbasket of the developing world. 50% of all food that goes to Africa comes from Ukraine. It is very important that the Ukrainians are ready to conclude an agreement with us, and not with the Russians. Therefore, it is in our interests to make sure that Russia does not take this place.” – the senator thinks.
Graham noted that Ukraine is the richest country in Europe in rare minerals, which, according to his estimates, the country has $2-7 trillion. That is why the USA should help Ukraine win the war with the Russian Federation.
“Ukraine is ready to make a deal with us, not with Russia, so it is in our interests to ensure that Russia does not settle there. Ukraine has natural resources and valuable metals worth trillions of dollars. For example: uranium, titanium, lithium, graphite and other strategic resources, which will strengthen Russia or Ukraine and its allies”, Graham emphasized.
The senator emphasized that the war in Ukraine is largely connected with these riches.
“This war is about money. Nobody wants to talk about it. We can make money and have an economic relationship with Ukraine that will be very beneficial for us when peace comes. So Donald Trump is going to make a deal to get our money back, to enrich himself for mineral account”, Graham stated.
He added that the US and its allies have an interest in ensuring that these resources remain available to Ukraine and the Western world, and not go to Russia or China.
US interest
Lindsey Graham also noted that Donald Trump intends to conclude a peace agreement with Ukraine that will be beneficial for both sides. According to him, this agreement will allow the US to gain access to Ukrainian minerals and at the same time help Kyiv in its post-war recovery.
“This is a good deal for Ukraine and for us. We will be able to get our money back and at the same time get economic benefit from access to rare minerals of Ukraine.” he declared.
Graham emphasized that it is more profitable for Ukraine to cooperate with the West than with Russia. “Ukraine is ready to conclude an agreement with us, not with the Russians. It is in our interests to ensure that Russia does not gain a foothold in Ukraine,” the senator explained.
The strategic importance of the Ukrainian subsoil
Research shows that Ukraine is one of the largest suppliers of strategic resources in the world. In particular, according to the Financial Times, the value of mineral deposits in Ukraine is estimated at 11.5 trillion dollars. And according to The Washington Post, only in the temporarily occupied territories their total value is at least 12.4 trillion dollars.
Ukrainian lithium, whose reserves are estimated at 500,000 tons, deserves special attention. This makes Ukraine the largest owner of this metal in Europe, ahead of even Portugal. Lithium is a key material for the production of batteries needed for electric vehicles and next-generation energy systems. Its importance for the energy transition is difficult to overestimate.
Lindsay Graham’s words clearly indicate that the geopolitical struggle for Ukraine goes far beyond the military conflict. This is a battle for resources that will determine the economic and technological future of the world. Western countries, in particular the USA, are aware of the strategic importance of Ukraine, both in food and in industrial aspects. At the same time, they seek to consolidate their position in the region by ensuring that these riches do not fall into the hands of geopolitical rivals.
Ukraine has a unique opportunity to use its resources as a tool for strengthening international support and economic recovery after the war. However, this requires a clear strategy that takes into account both the interests of international partners and national needs. In a world where resources are the key to power, Ukraine remains one of the most important players on the global chessboard.
