The struggle for rare earth metals.

[coupable]

I agree with you that the goals of Russia invading Ukraine wasn't mainly for rare earth metals, but this reason became essential later in negotation file with USA and Europe. Russia first goal is to forbid NATO from setting power army in its frontieres after Ukraine showed its ambitions to join the military ally with NATO. Putin decided to invade Cremea before invading all other regions to create like a safe armyless land between the two countries. Usually there is no single reason to start a war.

The argument between Trump and Zelensky during his visit to America, as well as Trump's pressure on Zelensky to end the war, stemmed from Ukraine's inability to pay the war costs incurred by the United States. The rare earth mineral map Zelensky provided was based on Soviet-era mineral data and has not been verified by modern means. Most of Ukraine's rare earth reserves are based on Soviet-era geological surveys and have not been revalidated since Ukraine's independence. The majority of deposits, including those containing rare earths and lithium, are located in areas under Russian control. Zelensky offered Trump a winning plan, while the reality is that rare earth reserves are virtually non-existent. These reserves may not be economically viable due to high extraction costs and the need for advanced refining technology. Therefore, none of Ukraine's rare earth reserves are internationally recognized as economically viable.

Do you mean that Ukraine had no way to encourage USA but to offer its rare metals map in exchange for logistic and military support? I think you have a point here. All the facts valid what you just said. Those metals are not economically considered accessible so neither Trump or Putin looks really interested on them. While Zelensky has no other offer to give mainly to US because he already garanted the continious support from Europe for geostrategic reasons.

I think the US wouldn’t be helping Ukraine and also the European Union wouldn’t be helping them without knowing there is something they will stand to achieve in aftermath of the war, we know rare metals are quite enormous in Ukraine, I think they must have promised US access to this mineral resources that is why the US seems to be helping and supporting them, and Vladimir Putin knows this things that is why he is also fighting to have possession of this land, Donald Trump meeting with Vladimir Putin they must have discussed the conditions of stopping this war, and Putin might also be asking for the lands where this reserves are, Trump would know this things and it would be a factor of stopping the war.

From the start, it was USA who pushed toward this war. The goal is to minimize powers of Russia. The solution is to sacrifice the whole region to fight in proxy for her. What to do? Invite Ukraine to join NATO which Russia wouldn't accept enemy armies on its frontieres. Behind the scenes, Europe found itself forced to support Ukraine to forbid Russia from expanding the invasion and to curb its expanding powers as well. The whole situation is strategic based till now. The rare metals appeard later when talking about solutions to stop the war after USA and europe got convainced that it's an expensive war that no one would benefit from except the east camp. What to do? Let's arrange with Russia and blackmail Ukraine.

[Findingnemo]

I watch regular updates about the current market and rare earth metals often come up in the discussion and it looks like China controls most of it that is why Trump is not being aggressive against China as he was before. And if those metals are really that important then China is already holds a huge edge and they can influence any geopolitical trade deals at this moment.

[abhiseshakana]

From the start, it was USA who pushed toward this war. The goal is to minimize powers of Russia. The solution is to sacrifice the whole region to fight in proxy for her. What to do? Invite Ukraine to join NATO which Russia wouldn't accept enemy armies on its frontieres. Behind the scenes, Europe found itself forced to support Ukraine to forbid Russia from expanding the invasion and to curb its expanding powers as well. The whole situation is strategic based till now. The rare metals appeard later when talking about solutions to stop the war after USA and europe got convainced that it's an expensive war that no one would benefit from except the east camp. What to do? Let's arrange with Russia and blackmail Ukraine.

The United States never pushed Ukraine into war with Russia, nor did it invite Ukraine to participate in NATO expansion. Ukraine's domestic initiative was the primary driver of its desire to join NATO. Political support from the United States and certain NATO allies facilitated and legitimized Ukraine's desire. This, of course, met with strong opposition from Russia. Russia's reaction changed Ukraine's security dynamics and strengthened Ukraine's resolve to seek Western protection.

The large-scale invasion remained Russia's sole decision. Even before 2022, Russia had demanded legal guarantees that Ukraine would never join NATO, a demand rejected by the US and Europe as a violation of the principle of state sovereignty. The US was a key actor in supporting Ukraine after the Russian aggression, but it did not instigate the war. The narrative that the US encouraged the war was used more by Russia and its allies, including China, to justify their military action.

[free-bit.co.in]

I watch regular updates about the current market and rare earth metals often come up in the discussion and it looks like China controls most of it that is why Trump is not being aggressive against China as he was before. And if those metals are really that important then China is already holds a huge edge and they can influence any geopolitical trade deals at this moment.

According to the US Geological Survey, total global rare earth production is 90 million tons. Of which, China not only accounts for 50% of the total supply (44 million tons) but is also the world's leading producer, accounting for 60% of global refined rare earth output.

But I don't think Trump is being less aggressive with China just because of rare earths, but simply because they've become so big. China is challenging US dominance in every aspect, especially in technology. They are fully capable of engaging in a full scale confrontation with the US, which is why Trump seems to be backing down from China. Because that would also cost the US dearly.

[Zigabel]

But I don't think Trump is being less aggressive with China just because of rare earths, but simply because they've become so big. China is challenging US dominance in every aspect, especially in technology. They are fully capable of engaging in a full scale confrontation with the US, which is why Trump seems to be backing down from China. Because that would also cost the US dearly.

The challenge China is putting up is one that is causing the US to not slow down on the ear because they want to prevent an escalation to other aspects such as security and probably other points of authority which may cost the US their position as the world power. If China ever has a reason to engage in full scale confrontation, it is good to hit the US hard because the likes of Russia and others may want to support and it will be too much for them alone even though  they have the best of technologies.