'In Kramatorsk, we look to the sky': Life in Ukrainian city under Russian air strikes
Kramatorsk, Ukraine war
This report comes from Kramatorsk, a city in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. It is now one of the region’s largest frontline cities, and the Russian army attacks it almost daily.
In the latest attacks, two Russian drones struck a trauma clinic on 29 August, and Russian forces attacked the hospital again on 30 August.
Many residents have left the city or have been evacuated. But many others remain despite the constant threat.
A hunt on the streets
In Kramatorsk, people have to watch their step, keep an eye on their surroundings and look up at the sky. Long, transparent strands are scattered across the streets – fibre-optic cables from Russian FPV drones. In some places, there is so much cable that it gets tangled around people’s feet.
Shards of glass and metal and burned-out cars are everywhere. At times, traces of blood can still be seen on the asphalt.
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Russian FPV drones attack people and vehicles every day. They can follow a car along the road while the operator chooses when to strike.
There are also so-called “loitering drones” – Russian unmanned aircraft that can hover and wait for a target to appear. This means it is dangerous not only to drive but simply to walk outside. People have to watch the sky, listen for sounds and constantly look over their shoulders.
Anyone who comes within an operator’s line of sight is at risk.
Almost no homes left undamaged
There are now almost no homes in the city that have escaped damage from Russian attacks. Facades bear the marks of strikes, while many buildings have shattered windows and destroyed roofs.
Some homes have been completely destroyed.
Russian attacks are forcing shops and cafés to close, businesses to relocate and families with children to evacuate. Rail services to the city have been suspended.
Staying here is becoming increasingly difficult. Yet many people still remain, often because they simply have nowhere to go. They have no relatives or homes in safer regions, and not enough savings to start a new life elsewhere.
Older residents say they are not ready to start again from scratch. For them, Kramatorsk means home, memories and the graves of loved ones.
Why Russia needs Kramatorsk
Kramatorsk, together with neighbouring Sloviansk, plays a key role in the defence of northern Donetsk region. Capturing the two cities would be an important step for Russia towards establishing control over the remaining Ukrainian-held parts of Donetsk region.
Russian forces view the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk urban area as a strategic target. Taking control of it would allow them to push their offensive further west.
For local residents, this means a scenario they have already seen in Bakhmut and Avdiivka: the city first becomes a battlefield and may then face near-total destruction.
Kramatorsk, Ukraine war
