Without support from its principal ally, the United States, under relentless pressure from a fierce and merciless juggernaut, Ukraine stands little chance of winning the three-year old full-scale invasion it didn’t start.
NATO has stood by and watched with limited concern, restricting its escalation to weapons supplies and infrequent condemnations when a stray Russia cruise missile lands in its territory, or a trawler on the Baltic Sea cuts through an internet cable. It has been able to offset energy shortages but would rather return to previous deals with Moscow. Some wars last only a few days, like the Falklands (74); others, like this one which began with the 2014 seizure of Crimea, didn’t really see Western involvement until the “special operation” to “denazify” began.
Either way, it now appears likely the United States will desert its ally. The reason has less to do with the battlefield as it does with losing an opportunity to grab rare earth metals, some of which are key to electric vehicle battery production. This report is directed to investigate the motive behind these modern-day robber barons.
(Image credit: Lithium – Metal, Symbol, Properties, Discovery, Uses, Facts)
Following the Introduction and Methodology, artificial intelligence (AI) queries are placed into Capsules in parentheses (Begin Perplexity-AI) and (End Perplexity-AI), and after a series of them, it is closed out followed by various other sub headlines such as Notes, Congressional Records, Newspaper Archives, and wrapped up with an Afterword. Links to the AI queries in the Capsules are included both inline and at the end of the query. Other relevant information may be added for context.
Capsules
(Begin Perplexity-AI)
Ukraine possesses significant reserves of rare earth minerals and other critical raw materials that are essential for modern technology and industry. According to reports, Ukraine has deposits of 22 out of 34 minerals identified as critical by the European Union134.
Rare Earth Elements: Ukraine has reserves of rare earth elements including lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, erbium, and yttrium4. These are crucial for various applications such as:
TVs and lighting
Wind turbines
Electric vehicle batteries
Nuclear power
Lasers
Lithium: Ukraine has one of Europe’s largest confirmed lithium reserves, estimated at 500,000 metric tons4. Lithium is vital for batteries, ceramics, and glass production.
Titanium: The country holds the largest titanium reserves in Europe, accounting for about 7% of the world’s reserves4. Titanium is used in aerospace and defense industries.
Graphite: Ukraine’s graphite reserves represent 20% of global resources4. Graphite is key for electric vehicle batteries and nuclear reactors.
Ukraine also has significant deposits of:
The Ukrainian government estimates that it has more than 2.6 billion tons of reserves of these crucial minerals, with some observers valuing this stockpile at up to $11.5 trillion1. However, many of these resources remain largely untapped, presenting significant economic potential for Ukraine45.
It’s important to note that while Ukraine possesses these valuable resources, the ongoing conflict with Russia has impacted access to some deposits, particularly in the eastern regions of the country46.
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/what-are-ukraine-rare-minerals-0llF1cN9QoqLJo289csa_g
united states more interested in ukraine minerals than defending against russian aggression
Recent developments suggest that the United States, particularly under the Trump administration, has shown increased interest in Ukraine’s mineral resources, potentially overshadowing concerns about defending Ukraine against Russian aggression.
President Donald Trump proposed a deal that would grant the United States 50% ownership of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals12. This proposal was presented as a way for Ukraine to “offset” past and future military support from the U.S.1
President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the proposal, stating that it was excessively focused on U.S. interests and failed to provide adequate security assurances for Ukraine14. Zelensky emphasized the need for a deal that would safeguard Ukraine’s interests and help deter future Russian aggression1.
The Trump administration views access to Ukraine’s minerals as strategically important for U.S. economic and national security, potentially reducing reliance on China for these resources13. Some U.S. officials, including Senator Lindsey Graham, argue that such a deal could transform the perception of Ukraine from a liability to an asset for the American public4.
Lack of Security Guarantees: The U.S. proposal reportedly did not include specific security commitments to protect Ukraine from Russian aggression68.
Exploitation Concerns: Some experts view the initial offer as potentially exploitative and unlikely to help end the war5.
Constitutional Issues: Ukrainian law states that subsoil resources belong to the Ukrainian people, which could complicate any deal8.
Despite the initial rejection, both U.S. and Ukrainian officials suggest that there is still potential for a mutually beneficial agreement4. However, any future deal would need to balance U.S. interests in mineral access with Ukraine’s need for security guarantees and economic benefits68.
This situation highlights a complex interplay between economic interests and geopolitical security concerns in U.S.-Ukraine relations, with some critics arguing that the focus on minerals may be overshadowing the urgent need to address Russian aggression.
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/united-states-more-interested-Atkxgq6iQvOuhycLT6VgYg
Lithium is indeed a key mineral for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. It plays a crucial role in the lithium-ion batteries that power most EVs today12. Lithium acts as the primary charge carrier, enabling energy storage and transfer within the battery4.
In the average 2020 EV battery with a 60 kWh capacity, lithium accounted for approximately 6 kg or 3.2% of the total mineral content3. While this percentage may seem small, lithium’s unique properties make it essential for battery function.
There are several types of lithium-ion batteries used in EVs, including:
Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO)
Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO)
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)5
Each of these battery chemistries contains lithium, with variations in the other minerals used. For example, LFP batteries, which are gaining popularity due to their lower cost and absence of cobalt and nickel, still rely on lithium as a key component12.
The importance of lithium for EV batteries has led to increased demand and mining activities. Australia is currently the largest producer of lithium globally7. However, concerns about the sustainability of lithium mining and its environmental impact have arisen as the EV market continues to grow7.
As the EV industry evolves, research into alternative battery technologies and more efficient use of lithium continues. However, for the foreseeable future, lithium remains a critical mineral for EV batteries, essential for the ongoing transition to electric mobility
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/lithium-key-mineral-for-ev-bat-vwUCxmNXRJW5.1dGdNlqrg
Ukraine’s lithium deposits are indeed crucial for the global electric vehicle (EV) battery production, including for companies like Tesla led by Elon Musk. Ukraine is estimated to have significant lithium reserves, with some sources suggesting it ranks among the top three countries in Europe for lithium reserves14. These deposits are particularly important for several reasons:
Strategic Location: Ukraine’s geographic proximity to the European Union offers a significant strategic advantage for supplying lithium to European EV manufacturers1.
Substantial Reserves: Ukrainian researchers have speculated that the country’s eastern region holds close to 500,000 tons of lithium oxide, which could make Ukraine’s lithium reserves one of the largest in the world4.
Global Interest: Before the Russian invasion, Ukraine’s lithium potential had attracted attention from global companies, including those from Australia, China, and potentially U.S.-based firms like Tesla4.
Impact on EV Battery Production: The loss of access to Ukrainian lithium due to the ongoing conflict with Russia could disrupt European progress toward critical mineral autonomy and stall the continent’s development of its own electric vehicle industry1.
Tesla’s Battery Strategy: Tesla, under Elon Musk’s leadership, has been working on enhancing its battery production capacity, particularly with the 4680 battery cells. While Tesla has been focusing on its own production facilities, access to raw materials like lithium remains crucial for the company’s long-term strategy2.
Global Supply Concerns: The Russian invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the risks associated with the global supply chain for critical minerals needed in EV batteries. This situation has prompted companies like Tesla to intensify efforts to secure diverse and reliable sources of raw materials3.
Economic Implications: Ukraine’s lithium reserves are part of its estimated $11.5 trillion worth of mineral reserves, making them a significant potential economic resource for the country1.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Russia seizing control of some lithium-rich areas, poses a significant threat to the global EV battery supply chain7. This situation could potentially impact Tesla and other EV manufacturers’ production plans and accelerate efforts to develop alternative sources or new battery technologies that rely less on scarce materials like lithium3.
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/ukraine-lithium-deposits-cruci-m9KUcTFPR8uhFOg8U0EjYw
are ukraine lithium deposit regions currently under russian territory control
As of February 2025, some of Ukraine’s key lithium deposits are under Russian control, while others remain in Ukrainian hands. Here’s the current situation:
Russian-controlled deposits:
A lithium deposit in the Zaporizhzhya region, captured in early 20221.
The Shevchenko Lithium Ore Field in the Donetsk region, seized in January 20257.
Ukrainian-controlled deposits:
The Polokhivske deposit in the Kirovohrad region, one of the largest in Europe with over 760,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent4.
The Dobra site in the Kirovohrad region4.
Russia has captured an estimated 33% of Ukraine’s critical raw materials deposits since 2014, including significant lithium reserves3. This seizure of lithium-rich territories impacts Europe’s access to one of its largest reserves of this critical mineral7. The loss of these deposits to Russian control threatens to disrupt European progress toward critical mineral autonomy and deprives Ukraine of a key economic resource7
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/are-ukraine-lithium-deposit-re-5FQQ08SVRx6q6xxDXPr8Dw
The term “robber baron” was first applied in the 19th century to wealthy and powerful American businessmen who used unethical practices to amass their fortunes1. These industrialists, who rose to prominence during the Gilded Age (late 1800s), were known for exploiting natural resources, influencing government, creating monopolies, and mistreating workers1.
Some of the most notable robber barons included:
John D. Rockefeller (Standard Oil)
Andrew Carnegie (steel)
Cornelius Vanderbilt (railroads and shipping)
J.P. Morgan (finance and industrial consolidation)
Jay Gould (railroads)
These men and others like them controlled vast industries, bought political influence, and often exploited workers while building their empires12. Their business practices led to the creation of the world’s first large-scale corporations, which could raise unprecedented amounts of capital from financial markets3.
While the term “robber baron” carries negative connotations, some historians argue that these industrialists also contributed to American economic growth and technological advancement. They were instrumental in scaling up industries like oil refining, steel production, and railroads, which helped transform the United States into an industrial powerhouse34.
In recent years, some have drawn parallels between the robber barons of the Gilded Age and modern tech billionaires, with figures like Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg sometimes being labeled as contemporary robber barons1.
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/who-were-the-robber-barons-XnmW.yqoTbeQ5Fw_RmtZlA
US effort to control ukraine rare minerals akin to 19th century robber baron tactics
The recent attempt by the Trump administration to gain control over Ukraine’s rare earth minerals bears striking similarities to the tactics employed by 19th-century robber barons123. This comparison is apt for several reasons:
The proposal to grant the United States 50% ownership of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for past and future military support echoes the exploitative practices of robber barons3. These industrialists often used questionable methods to eliminate competition and establish monopolies in their industries4.
The pressure exerted on President Zelenskyy, including giving him just one hour to respond to demands, reflects the power dynamics reminiscent of robber baron era5. This approach demonstrates a disregard for fair negotiation and mutual benefit.
By seeking control over Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources, estimated to be worth between $500 million and $14.8 trillion, the U.S. aims to reduce its dependence on China and strengthen its economic position6. This strategy mirrors how robber barons sought to dominate entire industries for their own gain.
The proposal’s focus on U.S. interests without adequate security guarantees for Ukraine demonstrates a lack of empathy for the country’s situation, similar to how robber barons often showed little concern for workers’ welfare411.
Just as the tactics of robber barons eventually led to government intervention and the establishment of workers’ unions7, this attempt to control Ukraine’s resources has sparked international attention and criticism8.
While the Trump administration argues that this deal would create lasting partnerships and enhance U.S. economic and national security2, the approach has been widely perceived as a form of “colonial-style mineral appropriation”8. This perception further reinforces the parallel with 19th-century robber baron tactics, where wealth accumulation often came at the expense of ethical considerations and fair practices.
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/us-effort-to-control-ukraine-r-XPKRsZrdRWKUsZIjJMB6mA
(End Perplexity-AI)
The move to take over the minerals on the Eastern Front serves at least two purposes. First, it will prevent other developing nations from acquiring them, either by force as in the case of Russia currently, or down the line, as in the case of India or China. Those two are usually the straw men used by the West to rationalize its Machiavellian approach to survival.
Afterword
Ukraine has flatly rejected the United States’ demand for the minerals, which still need to be extracted, shipped, refined, placed on the markets, commodities, companies, distribution, production into whatever, in this case batteries for an example.
In return, a spitting war has erupted with leaders of the two countries trading accusations and insults, expected to carry on into the G7 meeting scheduled. At stake isn’t just who’s going to grab the precious minerals, but who’s going to take the lead in aggressive international policy. Still, it will go hand in hand with a peace process, which needs to be for the sake of the citizens of Ukraine, the only consideration.