M-Cubed Research Consulting

Last Year, we discussed the intricacies of critical elements and geopolitics, in our blog post, Deep-Sea Mining in a Changing Political World.

Right now, negotiations which may end the war in Ukraine, seem to rely on a proposed bilateral agreement on rare-earth elements between Ukraine and the United States.

Let’s preface this, I like minerals – I am a tourist when it comes to geopolitics, so please do forgive me for treading lightly!

Through nearly three years of “red lines” and nuclear posturing (if not more), although throughout this, Russia has maintained their demand for Ukraine’s demilitarisation and to drop their ambitions of NATO membership.

Ukraine, on the other hand, has attempted to realign itself from a post-soviet history: to a modern, autonomous European sovereign nation. They maintain their right to be self determined.

The question is, “How can Ukrainian security be guaranteed without NATO?”

The United States under Trump, is starkly more NATO-skeptic: and prefers more equitable, bilateral agreements. It now seems like Ukraine’s Critical Mineral deposits are the price, the building blocks, for a security agreement.

What are your thoughts?