The conflict in Ukraine intensifies as Russian forces advance deeper into the Donetsk region, leaving civilians in a state of despair. In Kostiantynivka, once a bustling city with a population of 67,000, essential services have collapsed. There is no consistent supply of power, water, or gas, and relentless shelling has forced many residents to flee, leaving the city increasingly desolate.
Just 25 kilometers (15 miles) north, Kramatorsk, with a prewar population of 147,000, remains somewhat functional despite the ongoing violence. Although the city has experienced multiple strikes and is now largely under military control, restaurants and cafes still serve customers, and daily life persists in stark contrast to the devastation in nearby towns.
The Donetsk region, once an industrial powerhouse, is being systematically reduced to ruins. Many locals fear that cities like Kostiantynivka may never be rebuilt, with the prospect of further destruction looming as the war drags on. “The Donetsk region has been trampled, torn apart, turned into dust,” said Natalia Ivanova, a woman in her 70s who fled Kostiantynivka in early September after a missile struck near her home. She expressed deep concern over the future, stating, “I have no doubt more cities will be destroyed,” as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his military campaign.
Life in the Shadow of War
Kostiantynivka now finds itself on a shrinking patch of Ukrainian-held territory, precariously situated just west of Russian-occupied Bakhmut. Ivanova described her life there, saying, “They were always shooting. You’d be standing there … and all you’d hear was the whistle of shells.” She lost two apartments—one completely destroyed and the other damaged—while drones buzzed overhead like swarming insects. “I never thought I’d leave,” she recalled, describing her struggle to hold on to her home, which was her comfort zone.
For years, Ivanova witnessed the gradual fall of nearby cities, including Bakhmut and Avdiivka. Yet, she remained resolute until a nearby explosion shattered her resolve, forcing her to abandon her life in Kostiantynivka. “Please, stop it,” she pleaded, addressing world leaders. “This war is senseless and stupid. We’re dying like animals — by the dozens.”
Similarly, Olena Voronkova left Kostiantynivka earlier in May as she could no longer sustain her businesses—a beauty salon and a cafe. Relocating to Kramatorsk has offered some familiarity, as many from her hometown have also sought refuge there. Voronkova opened a new cafe in Kramatorsk that mirrors the one she left behind, complete with high white walls and ornate mirrors.
“Initially, there was hope that some homes would survive — that people might return,” she said. “Now we see it’s unlikely anyone has anything left.” The atmosphere in Kramatorsk is heavy; residents share a collective sense of loss, as they witness the destruction of their former homes.
The Uncertain Future
As the war continues, Kramatorsk, too, feels the weight of impending doom. Daria Horlova, an 18-year-old resident, reminisced about the vibrant life that once filled the central square, now eerily quiet. “It’s still terrifying — when something’s flying overhead or strikes nearby,” she said, describing the emotional toll of living under constant threat.
Horlova studies remotely and works as a nail artist, but like many in the region, she grapples with uncertainty about her future. “It’s terrifying that most of the Donetsk region is occupied — and that it was Russia who attacked,” she explained. The fear of sudden change looms large, as evidenced by the rapid transformation of Kostiantynivka from a normal city to a war zone.
To cope with the anxiety, Horlova has focused on small joys, such as getting a tattoo to commemorate her life in Kramatorsk. “You just have to do things — and do them as soon as you can,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of seizing moments of happiness amid chaos.
As the conflict progresses, the situation for civilians in the Donetsk region remains dire. With each day, the uncertainty deepens, and the resilience of those who remain is tested. The stories of Ivanova, Voronkova, and Horlova exemplify the human impact of this ongoing war, revealing the profound challenges faced by individuals caught in the crossfire.
