Russia has captured two of Ukraine's four lithium deposits since it launched its all-out invasion in 2022, potentially depriving Kyiv of a key economic resource.
On January 11, Russia claimed to have seized control of Shevchenko, a rural settlement in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. The settlement sits on top of one of Ukraine's biggest lithium deposits.
Experts say Russia's seizure of Ukraine's lithium deposits could impact the rest of Europe and the Continent's efforts to shift to green energy.
Described as "white gold," lithium is a critical material for batteries used in devices ranging from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles.
Ukraine has an estimated 500,000 tons of untapped lithium, one of the largest reserves in Europe, according to geological surveys.