Putin's army captures key Ukraine town, seizes villages, claims control

Russian forces have reportedly captured the village of Shevchenko in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, a strategically vital location due to its proximity to major lithium reserves. Alongside Shevchenko, Russian troops have also seized the nearby village of Novosergiivka, according to a statement by the Russian Defence Ministry. Ukraine has yet to issue an official response.

Why Shevchenko Matters

Shevchenko is situated near the Donetsk-Dnipropetrovsk border, adjacent to a 40-hectare lithium deposit discovered by Soviet geologists in 1982. The lithium here lies at a commercially viable depth, making it a valuable resource in the modern technological landscape. The village's capture is being seen as a significant strategic gain for Russia, especially after three years of intense conflict.

Russia’s Lithium Ambitions

A Russian-appointed official in Donetsk, Igor Klimakovsky, claimed Ukraine had deployed substantial forces to protect Shevchenko due to its lithium wealth. He added that once the area is stabilized, Russia intends to begin mining operations.

Earlier Confusion

In January, there were erroneous Russian media reports claiming the capture of Shevchenko, later found to be a case of mistaken identity with a similarly named village.

Why Lithium Is Crucial

Lithium is a critical component in batteries for smartphones, electric vehicles, and other advanced technologies. Ukraine is estimated to have about 500,000 tonnes of lithium, while Russia reportedly has nearly double that. This makes areas like Shevchenko geopolitically and economically significant to both nations.