Is Russia's invasion of the Ukraine about plundering abundant and critical natural resources other than oil and gas?

It may very well be the case! I must admit until today I was not really aware of the fact that the Ukraine has lots of such natural resources.

It appears the breadbasket country of the world is a lot more attractive for invaders like Putin the Terrible!

"The country boasts approximately 20,000 mineral deposits, covering 116 types of minerals. Key resources include titanium, lithium, beryllium, manganese, gallium, uranium, zirconium, graphite, apatite, fluorite, and nickel. Notably, Ukraine holds the largest titanium reserves in Europe, accounting for 7 percent of the world’s reserves, as well as almost 500,000 tons of lithium, a valuable strategic element that can contribute in meeting the global demand for batteries. ..."

Ukraine is home to a vast array of critical minerals with an estimated value in excess of US$26 trillion, making it a significant player in the global supply chain

Credits: Der erste Krieg der Energiewende