Russian forces entered the city, which had a pre-war population of about 12,000 people, in September 2024. By that time, nearly all residents had fled Ukrainsk, or rather what remained of it.
Those who stayed claim that living in the city is possible: volunteers deliver food supplies and distribute prepared meals. Water is pumped from a well, powered by a generator since there is no electricity. There is no discussion about restoring Ukrainsk – a small town situated between Kurakhove and Selydove.
