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The heated debate between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in front of cameras at the White House had derailed the agreement aimed at securing U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth elements and critical minerals.

Days after what seemed like his near “expulsion” from the White House, Zelensky stated that he was ready to sign the mining deal that Washington had requested. However, uncertainties regarding the “security guarantee” – a key demand repeatedly voiced by the Ukrainian side – persist. The most striking detail in the agreement’s leaked information was the U.S. demand for a “perpetual 50% share” and the creation of a joint investment fund intended to prevent “hostile parties to the conflict” from benefiting from Ukraine’s reconstruction. (Source)

Zelensky had previously stated that such an agreement would be tantamount to “selling the country.”

What Are Rare Earth Minerals, and How Rich is Ukraine in Minerals?

Rare earth elements consist of 17 elements: Scandium, Yttrium, Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Promethium, Samarium, Europium, Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Terbium, and Lutetium.

They are considered “rare” not because they are scarce, but because they are seldom found in pure form. While these elements are found in various regions worldwide—primarily in China—their extraction is a costly and environmentally hazardous process due to the toxic chemicals required.

Ukraine is one of the world’s richest countries in critical minerals. In addition to critical elements such as lithium and titanium, it possesses coal, natural gas, oil, and uranium reserves worth billions of dollars. (Source)

Where Are Ukraine’s Rare Minerals Located?

Ukraine is estimated to have approximately $15 trillion worth of mineral reserves, making it one of Europe’s most resource-rich nations.

Home to the largest lithium, titanium, and uranium reserves in Europe, Ukraine possesses 23 out of 50 minerals classified as critical by the U.S. government. (Source)

Graphite

Ukraine holds 19 million tons of proven graphite reserves, making it one of the top five countries globally. Graphite is crucial for electric vehicle battery production, making Ukraine a highly desirable partner for the U.S.

• Key regions: Berdychivskyi, Pobuzkyi, Kryvorizhkyi, and Pryazovskyi (Source)

Titanium

Ukraine supplies 7% of Europe’s titanium needs, a critical metal in aerospace and construction industries.

• Key regions: Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk

Lithium

Ukraine holds one-third of Europe’s lithium reserves, a key component of electric batteries. However, two of its lithium deposits are currently under Russian control.

• Key regions: Polokhivske, Shevchenkivske, Dobra, and Kruta Balka (Source)

Other Critical Minerals

Ukraine is also rich in beryllium, uranium, copper, lead, zinc, silver, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and the full range of 17 rare earth metals.

Regional Breakdown of Key Resources

• Central Ukraine (Kirovohrad Region):

• • One of Europe’s leading lithium reserves (e.g., Polokhivske site), with deposits deemed economically viable.

• Dnipropetrovsk Region – Kryvyi Rih:

• • Home to one of the world’s largest iron ore reserves, forming the backbone of Ukraine’s steel industry.

• Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk Regions:

• • Major titanium deposits concentrated here, crucial for aerospace and defense industries.

• Western Ukraine and the Carpathians:

• • Notable for gold and other valuable metal deposits.

However, a significant portion of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and coal mines is located in the Russia-controlled Donbas region. In addition to coal and manganese, approximately 40% of Ukraine’s mining reserves—particularly those in Luhansk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia—are under Russian control.

Amid talks of a U.S.-Ukraine deal, Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked:

“Russia is ready to offer the U.S. a partnership in rare earth elements. We certainly have more of these resources than Ukraine.”

Why Does the U.S. Want a Deal with Ukraine?

In the ongoing friction between the U.S. and Ukraine, Zelensky is being pressured with arguments such as “U.S. aid” and “repayment obligations.” However, the real driving force behind Washington’s urgency and aggressive stance is China’s dominance in rare earth elements—which the U.S. considers a national security threat.

China currently controls 60-70% of global production and 90% of the processing capabilities for rare earth elements, making it the undisputed leader in the industry.

Rare earth elements and critical minerals like lithium are not only essential for the rapidly growing electric vehicle industry but also indispensable for advanced defense technologies. Thus, for the U.S., rare earth elements represent both an economic battleground and a strategic military asset.

At the core of the “peace” that the U.S. is trying to broker in Ukraine lies its preparations for new arenas of geopolitical competition.