Raw material supplier or strategic actor? Ukraine’s future in the rare earth sector

Abstract

This article examines Ukraine’s position in the rare earth elements (REEs) sector amid evolving geopolitical dynamics and the European Union’s efforts to diversify critical raw material supply chains. Drawing on geological assessments, policy documents and a bibliometric dataset of Ukraine-affiliated publications (1991–2024), the study evaluates whether Ukraine can progress from a raw material supplier to an active participant in higher-value segments of the REE chain. The results show a resilient and comparatively specialised scientific community with strong expertise in materials science, crystallography, magnetism and luminescent materials, supported by broad collaboration with European partners. However, thematic patterns and patent evidence reveal major gaps, including minimal activity in beneficiation, hydrometallurgy, separation technologies, recycling and other applied domains essential for industrial REE development. The study outlines three strategic scenarios and assesses their feasibility within EU integration, environmental requirements and institutional constraints.