Probably of particular interest to #Trump are #Ukraine’s prospective deposits of #lithium — used for high-#tech components, such as those used in microchips & electric cars. #Russia is also interested in Ukraine’s natural resources, & one major lithium reserve is within 10 miles of the front line in the Donetsk region. Analysts have estimated that Moscow has already managed to seize control of more than $12 trillion-worth of Ukrainian #energy assets, metals & minerals.