Brief: The Geopolitical Impact of Ukraine’s Natural Resources in the Context of the Ongoing Negotiations

Executive Summary

This report examines the distribution of Ukraine’s key resources, the implications of Russian territorial control, and the potential for future negotiations regarding resource exploitation, particularly in the context of evolving U.S.-Russia relations.

Ukraine possesses vast reserves of critical raw materials (CRMs), including lithium, titanium, uranium, and rare earth elements, which are essential for global industries such as renewable energy, defense, and high technology. The ongoing conflict with Russia has significantly impacted the control, extraction, and geopolitical importance of these resources. A substantial portion of Ukraine’s natural wealth is located in eastern regions currently under Russian occupation, raising concerns about economic leverage, energy security, and international relations.

1. Ukraine’s Natural Resource Wealth

Ukraine is among the most resource-rich countries in Europe, with approximately 20,000 mineral deposits across 116 types of minerals. Before the 2022 Russian invasion, only 15% of these deposits were actively exploited (The Conversation, 2024; World Economic Forum, 2024).

Key Resources

Lithium: Ukraine has the largest lithium reserves in Europe, estimated at 500,000 tons, crucial for battery production and green energy (UNRIC, 2024).
Titanium: Holding 7% of the world's titanium reserves, Ukraine is a major supplier for aerospace and military applications (VOA News, 2024).
Uranium: With significant deposits, Ukraine plays a key role in the global nuclear energy market (IEA, 2024).
Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Ukraine contains 21 rare earth elements, accounting for 5% of global reserves, essential for electronics and green technologies (The Conversation, 2024).
Gallium and Neon: Ukraine was previously the fifth-largest producer of gallium and a leading supplier of neon gas, critical for semiconductor manufacturing (Reuters, 2025).

2. The Impact of Russian Occupation on Resource Distribution

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