Ukraine sits on trillions worth of minerals. US politicians want them.
Sep 17, 2024
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US Senator Lindsey Graham discusses Ukraine's staggering mineral wealth, valued at trillions, and its potential benefits for the U.S. economy. Journalist Ben Norton analyzes the rampant exploitation of these resources by Western powers, aiming to weaken China's grip on critical supply chains. President Zelensky is drawn into the fray, promoting Ukraine as a lucrative investment for U.S. corporations. The conversation deeply critiques how geopolitics and resource greed intertwine amidst the conflict, raising alarms about the future of Ukraine's sovereignty.
Ukraine's vast mineral wealth, estimated at $10 to $12 trillion, is seen as a strategic asset for Western economic interests and supply chains.
The conflict in Ukraine is increasingly viewed as a proxy war, raising ethical concerns about foreign motivations overshadowing genuine support for its sovereignty.
Deep dives
The Economic Potential of Ukrainian Minerals
Ukraine is believed to possess valuable mineral resources worth an estimated $10 to $12 trillion, which could significantly enhance its economy. Key politicians, including U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, argue that supporting Ukraine ensures these resources do not fall into the hands of adversaries like Russia and China. This perspective frames Ukraine not only as a victim of aggression but also as a potentially lucrative business partner for the West, which could benefit from access to strategic minerals essential for advanced technologies. The conversation surrounding these resources underscores the intersection of military support and economic interests in the ongoing conflict.
Geopolitical Implications and Western Strategic Interests
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is seen not just through the lens of democracy and human rights but also as a strategic maneuvering by the West to curb Russian and Chinese influences. The emphasis on securing Ukraine's rich mineral deposits points to broader geopolitical strategies, particularly as Western nations seek alternatives to Chinese dominance in the rare earth minerals market. With reports indicating that the U.S. aims to diversify its critical minerals supply chain, Ukraine's resources become pivotal in mitigating reliance on countries with differing values. This dynamic highlights the military's role in advancing economic agendas and geopolitical stability.
Cynicism in Western Support for Ukraine
Critics argue that the Western support for Ukraine appears to be driven by ulterior motives rather than genuine concern for its sovereignty and stability. The characterization of the conflict as a proxy war raises ethical questions about the implications for Ukrainian lives, as the average age of soldiers reflects the societal toll of sustained military engagement. Notably, this situation mirrors historical patterns seen in previous U.S. interventions, such as in Afghanistan, where mineral wealth also attracted foreign interest. This perspective reveals a troubling inconsistency between proclaimed values and actions, as the defense of democracy may be overshadowed by the pursuit of profit and geopolitical advantage.
Ukraine is "sitting on a trillion dollars worth of minerals that could be good to our economy", said US Senator Lindsey Graham as he stood next to Zelensky in Kiev. Ben Norton discusses how Western politicians and corporations want to exploit Ukrainian natural resources, to profit and to weaken the role of China and Russia in critical supply chains.
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XuJLV2kfcc
Sources and more information here: https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2024/09/16/senator-lindsey-graham-ukraine-trillion-minerals/
Zelensky is literally selling Ukraine to US corporations on Wall Street: https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/09/09/zelensky-selling-ukraine-wall-street/
West prepares to plunder post-war Ukraine with neoliberal shock therapy: https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/07/28/west-neoliberal-recovery-conference/
Topics
0:00 US Senator Lindsey Graham wants Ukraine's minerals
4:19 Ukraine has tens of trillions of dollars worth of natural resources
5:34 China and critical minerals supply chain
7:10 USA wants Ukraine to replace China in minerals supply chain
8:03 Wall Street is buying up Ukraine
9:13 (Clip) Zelensky's love letter to Western corporations
10:58 NATO fights Russia to the last Ukrainian
11:46 Study: foreign intervention is 100 times more likely in country with oil
14:22 Geopolitics of NATO proxy war on Russia in Ukraine
17:58 Afghanistan's resources and $1 trillion of minerals
24:31 Outro
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