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What is the current situation in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Region?
Oleksiy Ladyka, a journalist with Kramatorsk Post, discussed the current situation in the city on Hromadske Radio:
«Kramatorsk is shelled almost every day with guided aerial bombs. After many years of war, we’ve become accustomed to the shelling, so residents react more or less calmly. As soon as a shelling occurs, people come out, sweep the glass near their homes, and wait for the utility company to bring materials, such as plates and plastic, to cover the windows. Those with more serious damage are collecting documents to apply to the Unified State Fund for Reconstruction. Unfortunately, the war has become such a routine that everyone is used to it.»
According to Ladyka, Kramatorsk is currently just over 17 kilometers from the frontline.
«I often hear conversations about evacuation. If you go to a hairdresser or call a plumber, you’re likely to be asked whether you’re preparing to evacuate. Some people have already left. I know a family that packed everything and moved to Cherkasy Region, for instance.
We all understand that if the frontline moves closer or the shelling intensifies, living here will become impossible.»
Ladyka mentioned that around 70,000 to 75,000 people remain in the city, compared to a pre-war population of 200,000.
Another major issue facing Kramatorsk residents is the lack of a stable water supply.
«On 28 September, Russian forces shelled and damaged the Water of Donbass facilities. This has caused severe water shortages in the north of Donetsk Region. Most of Kramatorsk was left without water a few days ago. Yesterday, even the areas that still had water were cut off. However, in the evening, water was restored in some places. I still have water, but I’m not sure about other neighborhoods. There are significant interruptions.
Authorities and utility companies have reported that the northern part of Donetsk Region might be without water for an indefinite period due to the shelling. However, it seems the utility companies are working hard to provide at least a few hours of water each day. For instance, yesterday morning, they turned off the water and announced it might be restored by 5 p.m., and indeed, it was turned back on around that time.»
The journalist added that there is still gas and electricity in the city.
On 5 October, the Russian army shelled Kramatorsk using guided aerial bombs.
On 25 September, two civilians were killed and more than 20 others were injured in shelling.
On 22 September, the city was attacked with Tornado-S multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), wounding a child.
The next day, on 23 September, Kramatorsk experienced six explosions around noon, resulting in at least one death and damage to eight private houses.
As a reminder, the heating season, along with boiler houses and energy infrastructure in Sumy Region, has been severely impacted. Shostka, like the entire border area of the region, regularly suffers from Russian shelling.
In addition, the forced evacuation of children with their parents has begun in the Sumy district. A total of minors from 90 settlements in the district are subject to evacuation.
The decision to order the evacuation was made on September 30 and was officially announced on October 1 by the Sumy District Council.