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Kyiv, Ukraine – The total value of natural resources located in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia exceeds $350 billion. This was stated by Yulia Svyrydenko, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, during the forum “Ukraine. Year 2025” forum .
“The territories currently temporarily occupied by Russia contain mineral resources worth more than $350 billion,”Svyrydenko said.
Occupation threatens national resources
According to the minister, these natural resources, including strategically important minerals, can be used by Russia to strengthen its own defence industry.
“The Russians have not just occupied our land, they are trying to use our resources to strengthen their defence industry,”Svyrydenko stressed.
What exactly is located in the occupied territories?
The occupied territories of Ukraine contain significant mineral reserves, in particular:
– Coal
– Iron ore
– Lithium
– Titanium
– Rare earth metals
These resources are of great strategic importance not only for the energy and industrial sectors, but also for the defence industry. For example, lithium and rare earth metals are actively used in the production of batteries, military equipment and other high-tech products.
Potential consequences for the Ukrainian economy
The loss of access to natural resources could have lasting negative consequences for Ukraine’s economy. In addition to the loss of potential revenues from the extraction and export of minerals, Ukraine risks losing important positions in global markets.
“The return of these territories is critically important not only from a political but also from an economic point of view. These are resources that should ensure the recovery and development of Ukraine after the war,”Svyrydenko added.
International support and sanctions
The Ukrainian government plans to ask its international partners to strengthen sanctions against Russian companies that may be involved in the illegal extraction of Ukrainian minerals in the occupied territories.
“It is necessary to bring to justice all those who illegally use Ukrainian resources. We are working on this issue together with our partners,” Svyrydenko said.
