The occupation of the settlements of Shevchenko and Novotroitske near Pokrovsk in Donbas by Russian troops was a strategic move that not only closes off a key transport artery between Kurakhovo and Pokrovsk, but also deprives Ukraine of access to valuable lithium deposits. This region is one of the most significant in Ukraine in terms of the extraction of rare earth metals, including lithium, a strategic resource for the production of batteries, electronics and electric vehicles.

In early 2024, the Austrian company European Lithium acquired the Shevchenko lithium deposits, as well as the Ukrainian company European Lithium Ukraine, which holds the licenses for the deposits, for €184 million. This deal attracted interest in the global market, given the importance of lithium for the transition to green energy. However, the current escalation of the conflict and Ukraine’s loss of control over the territory call into question plans to develop and export this strategic raw material.

The occupation of Shevchenko also has significant military significance. The closure of the Kurakhovo-Pokrovsk highway complicates the Ukrainian side's logistical supply and troop movement in this area, creating additional difficulties in holding positions on the southwestern approaches to Donbass.

Experts note that control over lithium deposits could strengthen Russia's position in the global rare earth metals market. In the context of sanctions pressure and the global race for resources, this step takes on additional significance.