The last pages of Eurasian geopolitics turned again over Ukraine. Against the backdrop of the war that shook the world, now we are talking not only about rockets, but also about underground resources, investors, and the interests of major powers. Major Western powers, in particular the USA, are approaching Ukraine not only on the basis of military assistance, but also on the basis of economic and strategic cooperation. This fundamentally changes the role of the land - rich in strategic minerals - of the Ukrainian club on the global stage.
From Patriot to Patriot - Continuing Battle in the Sky
The Patriot air defense system, first delivered to Ukraine in April 2023, has now reached eight. However, only 6 of them are fit for work. These systems are one of the main shields against Russia's increasingly powerful missile attacks. It was reported that another Patriot system, located in Germany or Greece, is planned to be sent to Ukraine soon. While the war continues in the sky, new battlefields are opening up underground.
Conflict in Trump's shadow
According to Donald Trump, if he hadn't intervened then, Russia would have already occupied all of Ukraine. "If it weren't for me, they would be fighting now for all of Ukraine," - the president's words are not just a political statement from the past - they still affect the balance of power behind the scenes of this conflict. Trump said that he may have ties with some parties to the peace talks, but did not elaborate.
Underground resources: a new layer of the US-Ukraine strategic alliance
The new agreement between the White House and Kyiv is a prelude to major changes. A new investment fund, operating under the management of both states, was created. It serves to process lithium, titanium, manganese, and other rare earth elements in Ukraine and for post-war reconstruction. These minerals are of unprecedented importance for the US industry, especially the green energy and defense sectors.
Importantly, Ukraine, while retaining ownership of these resources, granted the US the right to use and invest in them. For the first ten years, the profits from these projects will be directed exclusively to the restoration of Ukraine. This requires a delicate balance between sovereignty and economic independence.
Ukrainian Kaltak - an underground treasure
The ancient geological region, known as the "Ukrainian Kaltak," was formed 2.5 billion years ago and today is one of the most important mineral sources in the world. This determines the struggle not only for technology or ecology - but also for every meter of the front line.
According to the US Geological Survey, Ukraine provides 5.8% of the world's titanium, 15.7% of rutile, and a significant portion of uranium. Although these resources are available in the US, their production is limited due to environmental and legislative barriers. This makes Ukraine the most important strategic partner at the moment.
New war on the diplomatic front
At this stage, when there is a conflict of interest rather than a clash of cultures, economic diplomacy has become embedded in military plans. The strategic mineral agreement signed with the USA gave Kyiv not only financial support, but also new strategic confidence. This pushes Ukraine towards more aggressive actions on the front lines. The new era demands new rules of war.
Critical obstacles: Russia and resources
But turning dreams into reality is not easy. Some large deposits in eastern Ukraine remain under Russian control. The real results of the agreement will depend on actions on the front lines of the war and on international security guarantees. Ukraine plans to receive assistance from the European Union based on the principles of transparency and security in this regard.
In conclusion, the war in Ukraine is now continuing not only with modern weapons but also through ancient mountains, geological layers, investors, and strategic interests. The front line is now drawn not only on the surface, but also underground, on diplomatic tables, and on investment agreements.
In this situation, the question arises: it's true that Ukraine is defending itself, but time and history will speak their minds to determine what else it is losing in exchange for this defense.
