The village of Shevchenko in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, is currently experiencing active fighting, with Ukrainian forces denying claims of Russian capture. A spokesperson for the Khortytsia group of forces stated that while Russian troops had pushed out Ukrainian soldiers on June 26, the situation remains dynamic and subject to change. Russia’s Defense Ministry previously announced the capture of Shevchenko along with other settlements, but Ukrainian officials insist that the area remains under Ukrainian control.
According to the Ukrainian Geological Survey, the Shevchenkivske deposit, located near Shevchenko, covers nearly 40 hectares and contains significant lithium reserves. The deposit is also rich in other rare elements such as rubidium, cesium, tantalum, niobium, beryllium, and tin. Ukraine, which is home to 20 of the world’s critical minerals, holds one-third of the EU’s lithium reserves and about 3% of global reserves. The U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, signed in April 2024, specifically mentions lithium as a resource that both nations could exploit.
Despite its relatively small size, the Shevchenkivske deposit could be efficiently operated by a single mine, according to Ukrainian Geological Survey data. However, the deposit is classified in the highest complexity category, which could pose challenges for development. The ongoing conflict in the region highlights the strategic importance of lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and other high-tech industries. The situation in Shevchenko underscores the intersection of military conflict and resource competition in the ongoing war in Ukraine.