Donetsk region
Coverage of Donetsk region in the Nexus archive.
- Russian drones kill a woman and 9-year-old son at home as Ukrainian civilian casualties rise
Russian drones struck a home in northern Ukraine, killing a woman and her 9-year-old son. The United Nations reported that July was one of the deadliest months for Ukrainian civilians since Russia's invasion began. Separately, Ukrainian forces conducted long-range strikes against Russian infrastructure, hitting the port of Ust-Luga and damaging Wildberries warehouses.
- Russian drones kill a woman and 9-year-old son at home as Ukrainian civilian casualties rise
Russian drones struck a home in northern Ukraine, killing a woman and her 9-year-old son. The United Nations reported that July was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since weeks following Moscow's invasion, with at least 437 deaths. Furthermore, Russian forces continue to attack various settlements near the front line using glide bombs, while Ukrainian drones launched strikes against Russian infrastructure like the port of Ust-Luga.
- Head of Ukrainian Search Unit Yukov Killed While Exhuming Bodies
Oleksii Yukov, head of Ukraine’s search unit Platsdarm, was killed on Aug. 5 while exhuming bodies in the Donetsk region. He had over 20 years of experience recovering fallen soldiers’ remains.
- Russia Strikes Kharkiv Postal Terminal, Kills 1
Russian forces attacked a postal terminal in Kharkiv suburbs, killing one person and causing a fire. Later, they bombed Sloviansk in Donetsk region, destroying homes and injuring a man.
- Four Killed, 18 Wounded in Russian Attacks Across Donetsk Region – Infant Among Injured
Four civilians were killed and 18 others wounded, including an 11-month-old baby, in Russian attacks across Donetsk region on July 27, according to regional prosecutors.
- 2 dead in Ukraine from Russian attacks, 4 more in Russian-held area hit by Ukrainian drones
Russian attacks in Ukraine killed two people and wounded civilians in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia, while Ukrainian drones struck a Russian-held area in Donetsk, killing four civilians. Russian forces claimed to have downed 133 Ukrainian drones over Russia, the Black Sea, and Crimea.
- Ukraine Strikes Oil Facility and Drone Sites in Crimea
Ukrainian forces conducted overnight strikes on Russian military and economic targets in Crimea and eastern regions, including a fuel supply facility near Vnukove, a drone control relay station near Chornomorske, a logistics bridge in Donetsk, a drone warehouse in Chervonopopivka, and a personnel area in Purdivka. A July 25 strike also targeted an oil refinery in Tyumen, Russia.
- Russian Forces Strike Sloviansk with Aerial Bombs, Wound 14, Damage 7 Buildings
Russian forces conducted an airstrike on a residential neighborhood in Sloviansk, Donetsk region, wounding 14 people and damaging seven five-story apartment buildings. The attack caused three fires covering approximately 630 square meters.
- Deadly Russian Guided Bombs and Drones Strike Sloviansk and Kharkiv Region
Russian forces conducted attacks in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk and Kharkiv regions on July 11, with three FAB-250 guided bombs striking Sloviansk, killing one person and injuring three while damaging buildings. In Kharkiv region, a residential building in Izium and a gas station in Kharkiv city were hit, injuring four people.
- Putin and Trump held ‘businesslike’ 90-minute July 4 call, Moscow says
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 90-minute call with Donald Trump on July 4, during which Trump offered to help end the Ukraine war. The conversation, described as 'businesslike' by Moscow, occurred ahead of a NATO summit and amid Russian advances in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke with Trump, emphasizing potential for ending the conflict.
- Ukraine Strikes Crimean Airbase and Key Logistics Hubs in Coordinated Night Attack
Ukrainian defense forces conducted coordinated strikes on a Russian military airfield in occupied Crimea and strategic infrastructure in Donetsk and other regions. Targets included the Gvardiyske airfield, two road bridges near Huselnykove and Staromarivka, and three ammunition depots across Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kherson.
- Russia Proposes Temporary Ceasefire in Kostiantynivka Amid Disputed Control Claims
Russia's Ministry of Defense has proposed a localized ceasefire in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, scheduled for July 6, to transfer Ukrainian soldiers' bodies. The proposal coincides with Russia's false claims of full control over the city, with Kyiv requested to respond by July 5.
- Ukrainian drones target more Russian oil infrastructure as fuel crisis adds political pressure on Putin, who shrugs off attacks as ‘not critical’
Ukrainian drones targeted Russian oil infrastructure in St. Petersburg and Crimea, exacerbating a fuel crisis and political pressure on President Vladimir Putin, who dismissed the attacks as 'not critical.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strikes as part of 'long-range sanctions,' while Russian forces reported capturing Kostyantynivka, a strategic city in the Donetsk region.
- Zelensky Requests Patriot Missiles in Call with Merz, Denies Russian Claims on Kostiantynivka
President Volodymyr Zelensky requested Patriot missiles during a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to defend against Russian ballistic attacks. Zelensky also denied Russian President Vladimir Putin's claims that Russian forces had captured the city of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region.
- Zelensky denies Russian capture of key eastern city
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and the General Staff stated that Ukraine still controls the eastern city of Kostiantynivka, refuting Russian claims of its capture. Russia's military reported to President Vladimir Putin that its forces have taken control of Kostiantynivka, a strategic target in the Donetsk region.
- Zelensky Denies Russian Capture of Key Eastern City Kostiantynivka
Zelensky denied Russian forces have captured the eastern city of Kostiantynivka. Russia's military reported to Putin that its troops have taken control of the city, a strategic target in the Donetsk region.
- Zelensky denies Russian capture of key eastern city Kostiantynivka
Ukraine's President Zelensky and General Staff deny Russian capture of Kostiantynivka, a key eastern city, while Russia claims control. Analysts highlight the city's strategic importance as part of Ukraine's defensive line in the Donetsk region.
- Ukraine Denies Russian Claims of Capturing Kostiantynivka
Ukraine's Defense Forces denied Russian claims that Russian troops have fully captured Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian military officials confirmed the city remains under their control, with ongoing urban combat and defensive operations near the city.
- Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg oil terminal in latest long-range attack on Russia
A Ukrainian drone attack struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, with Russian officials reporting 72 drones shot down. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as targeting Russian war funding infrastructure, while Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the strikes as non-critical to his ongoing invasion goals.
- Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg oil terminal in latest long-range attack on Russia
Ukrainian drones attacked an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, Russia, as part of ongoing strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. The attack caused casualties and political pressure on the Kremlin, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy framing it as targeting Russian war funding. Russian officials reported 72 drones shot down, while Putin dismissed the strikes as non-critical.
- Ukraine Denies Russian Capture of Key Eastern City Kostiantynivka
Ukraine has denied reports that Russian forces have captured the key eastern city of Kostiantynivka. Russia's military claimed to Putin that its forces have taken control of the city, which is a strategic target in the Donetsk region.
- Russia Said It Captured Key Ukraine Stronghold in Donetsk Region
Russia claimed to capture a key Ukraine stronghold in the Donetsk region. A Russian air strike hit a residential building in Kramatorsk, Ukraine.
- Zelensky Mocks Putin’s 15 Failed Deadlines to Capture Donetsk Region
Zelensky condemned Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro, stating Moscow is attacking life itself. He vowed Ukraine would respond with precision and mocked Putin's 15 failed deadlines to capture Donetsk region.
- Zelensky: Russia Shifts Donetsk Capture Deadlines – Now at 15 Attempts
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia has set 15 deadlines to capture Ukraine’s Donetsk region since the invasion began, repeatedly postponing its goal as offensives fail. Ukraine’s forces continue to hold their positions, and Zelensky warned that Russia will keep shifting deadlines unless the war ends.
- Russia pounds on the gates of Ukraine's 'fortress belt'
Russia is intensifying attacks on Kostiantynivka, a key part of Ukraine's eastern 'fortress belt' defensive line, as its broader offensive in the Donetsk region stalls. Ukrainian commanders report Russian infiltration attempts, while analysts note Moscow's manpower advantage despite Ukrainian drone strikes disrupting logistics. Occupying Kostiantynivka could enable Russian advances northward, but Ukrainian forces assert they can hold the city with current resources.
- Ukrainian Forces Strike Key Railway Bridge in Occupied Luhansk Region
Ukrainian Defense Forces attacked a railway bridge in the Russian-occupied village of Sabivka, Luhansk region on June 26. Images on June 28 confirmed damage to the bridge, which served as a key logistical route for Russian forces connecting occupied areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
- Ukraine Strikes Henichesk Strait Bridge and Russian Military Targets
Ukrainian forces struck a bridge over the Henichesk Strait and Russian military targets on June 20. The attacks targeted logistics routes, a Pantsir-S anti-aircraft system, and UAV command posts in multiple regions.
- Key Developments as Ukraine War Grinds Through Summer
The Ukraine war has entered its fifth year with intensified urban combat and long-range attacks. Russian forces have advanced in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region, using aerial bombardment to target Ukrainian defenses, while Ukraine has escalated strikes on Russian military infrastructure using drones and 'Flamingo' cruise missiles.
- Ukrainian drone strike kills 1 in southern Russia and triggers fire at sea terminal
A Ukrainian drone strike in Russia's Krasnodar region killed one person and injured three, triggering a fire at a Black Sea export terminal. Ukrainian forces also targeted an oil facility in Volgograd and Russian-occupied areas in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, while Russian attacks in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region injured nine people.
- Ukraine targets St. Petersburg after Putin refuses talks
Ukraine launched a drone attack on St. Petersburg, targeting defense facilities, a naval base, and oil depots in Russia's Leningrad and Krasnodar regions. The assault occurred hours after President Vladimir Putin rejected peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a major economic forum. Russian air defenses shot down 144 drones, and the strikes caused fires and disruptions at a commercial airport.
- Russian FPV Drones and Artillery Kill Two, Wound Four Civilians Across Ukraine
Russian FPV drones and artillery killed two civilians and wounded four others in Ukraine's Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Kherson regions on June 6, 2026. In Derhachi, an FPV drone struck a 51-year-old man on a scooter, while another strike in Kramatorsk killed a 50-year-old resident.
- House Passes Ukraine Aid in Defiance of Republican Leaders
The U.S. House passed a bill providing $8 billion in loans and $1.8 billion in aid to Ukraine, despite opposition from Republican leaders. Ukrainian soldiers are highlighted in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
- House Advances New Sanctions on Russia and Aid to Ukraine
The U.S. House has advanced legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia's oil and gas sector, its primary source of wartime revenue, alongside providing aid to Ukraine. Recent Russian strikes have caused damage in Ukraine's Donetsk region.
- Eight killed after drone hits bus in Russian-occupied part of Ukraine
Eight people were killed when a drone struck a bus in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine, according to an official. The incident occurred in the eastern part of the Donetsk region.
- Ukrainian drones set fire to a St. Petersburg oil terminal ahead of Putin visit
Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, Russia, causing a fire and black smoke, as the city hosted an economic forum where President Vladimir Putin was set to speak. The attack disrupted airport operations and internet services, with Russian authorities confirming infrastructure damage but providing no further details.
- Ukrainian drones set fire to a St. Petersburg oil terminal ahead of Putin visit
Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, causing a fire and black smoke as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepared to speak at an economic forum in the city. Russia reported downing 354 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Ukraine targeted oil facilities and weapon production sites, including a naval base in Kronstadt and a plant in Tambov. The attacks come amid reciprocal drone strikes between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides using long-range strikes to disrupt infrastructure and funding.
- Ukraine Scores New Battlefield Gains Near Donetsk Region Border
Ukrainian forces have regained at least 46 square kilometers of territory in the Oleksandrivka sector, according to military monitoring group DeepState. This advance follows successful counterattacks linked to intensified drone warfare and disruptions to Russian battlefield communications.
- With a stalemate in Ukraine and discontent at home, Putin seems ready to escalate his war
Russian President Vladimir Putin appears ready to escalate the war in Ukraine amid a battlefield stalemate and growing domestic discontent. Putin plans increased aerial attacks on Kyiv to bolster domestic support, while Ukraine has launched counterstrikes and expanded long-range attacks on Russian targets.
- Senior Ukrainian commander sees imminent ‘turning point’ in war
A senior Ukrainian commander, Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky, predicts a 'turning point' in the Russia-Ukraine war within the next six months, citing Russian military exhaustion and Ukraine's potential to regain battlefield initiative. He emphasizes the strategic importance of controlling Donetsk to strengthen Ukraine's position in stalled peace talks.
- Russian Oreshnik Missile Likely Crashed After Launch – ISW
The Institute for the Study of War reported that a second Russian Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile likely malfunctioned and crashed in the occupied Donetsk region during an attack on Ukraine on May 23-24. If confirmed, this would indicate a 25% failure rate for Oreshnik missiles used by Russia in the conflict.