Raw Materials as Chess Pieces in the Ukraine Conflict?
How Putin's Strategy Influences Europe's Energy Transition and Technological Future

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has many facets, but one that is often overlooked is the strategic importance of Ukraine's natural resources. Ukraine is rich in critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, titanium, and rare earths, which are essential for the manufacture of mobile phones, computers, and electric vehicles. According to the Ukrainian Geological Survey, the value of these reserves amounts to around €6.7 billion. In particular, Ukraine's lithium deposits, estimated at about 500,000 tonnes, are among the largest in the world.
Since 2014, Russia has already controlled parts of the deposits in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The attack in February 2022 has further exacerbated the situation. For EU Member of Parliament Viola von Cramon, the Russian invasion also has an economic dimension. She emphasises that Putin's aim is not only to destroy Ukraine as an independent state but also to control its economic power and resources.
The timing of Putin's invasion is also noteworthy. In July 2021, the EU had concluded a strategic agreement with Ukraine for the extraction and processing of critical raw materials. These raw materials are crucial for Europe's energy transition. By occupying eastern Ukraine, Putin has blocked access to these important resources, putting European countries in a quandary.
Ukraine also offers an ecological advantage. Unlike other lithium deposits that are located in salt layers and whose extraction is ecologically problematic, Ukrainian lithium is found in magmatic rock, making its extraction more environmentally friendly.
The geopolitical implications are enormous. By controlling Ukraine's raw materials, Russia can not only realise its own imperial fantasies but also force European countries into dependency. This is particularly critical as many of the raw materials crucial for Europe are located in countries not considered to be flawless democracies, such as China.
