Russia's advance deprives Ukraine of resources for a deal with the USA

The lithium deposit on the territory of the DPR has come under Russian control, writes The New York Times (NYT). The newspaper clarifies that as the Russian army advances, Ukraine is losing resources it could offer the USA for a deal.

According to NYT, the deposit near the village of Shevchenko covers about 40 hectares. Analysts call it one of the most valuable in the region due to the concentration of lithium, which the USA considers critically important for its economy. Washington planned to use it as part of a resource deal that the countries signed in May.

Le Figaro reported that Ukraine has also lost access to another lithium deposit near the settlement of Krutaya Balka in the Zaporizhzhia region. However, Kyiv retains control over two other deposits in the Kirovohrad region.

The agreement between the USA and Ukraine provides for the creation of a joint investment fund, which will be replenished by Kyiv's revenues from minerals. Washington gains access to the exploration of natural resources. Funds from the fund will be directed towards the reconstruction of Ukraine$WCT