Russian forces took control of one of Ukraine’s most promising lithium sites – Shevchenkivske, located in Donetsk. This deposit was previously developed by an American company focused on critical minerals and was considered a vital part of the economic partnership between Kyiv and Washington regarding strategic resources. Shevchenkivske contains up to 90% spudumene – a mineral used to extract lithium, which is essential for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Clearly the Russian-Ukrainian war is increasingly resembling an economic conflict. Russia is not only destroying infrastructure but also actively seeking resources that could potentially benefit itself or strengthen Ukraine.
Before the Russian invasion, Ukrainian scientists estimated the country’s total lithium reserves at 500,000 tons, the largest in Europe. Of the four deposits explored in Ukraine, none are currently being exploited. Two of them, Polokhivske and Dobra, are located in Kirovohrad region. Shevchenkivske (Donetsk region) and Kruta Balka (Zaporizhzhia region) have been seized by Russia.