“July 5 is the day we remember one of the first significant victories in the war against Russian aggression – the day of liberation of the cities of Kramatorsk and Slavic from the Russian occupation. This event in 2014 was a turning point, returning hope and faith in victory. As Slavyansk and Kramatorsk were captured in the spring of 2014, after the annexation of the Crimea, Russia started a hybrid”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
July 5 – This is the day when we remember one of the first significant victories in the war against Russian aggression – the day of liberation of the cities of Kramatorsk and Slavic from the Russian occupation. This event in 2014 was a turning point, returning hope and faith in victory.
As Slavyansk and Kramatorsk were captured
In the spring of 2014, after the annexation of Crimea, Russia began a hybrid aggression in eastern Ukraine. One of the first cities that were under the control of pro -Russian militants and Russian sabotage groups became Slavyansk and Kramatorsk . From April 12, 2014 to July 5, 2014, these cities were under Russian occupation. The capture of these strategically important settlements in Donetsk region created a bridgehead for further occupation of the Ukrainian territories.
The militants, headed by the Russian officer Igor Girkin (Strelkov), installed the so -called “administrations” in the cities, turning them into fortified areas and centers of terror. Ukrainian citizens were in the face of constant intimidation, violence and lack of legal power.
Slavic and Kramatorsk’s release operation
The Ukrainian army, which was just beginning to recover after years of underfunding and destruction, launched an anti -terrorist operation (ATO) in the Donbass. The liberation of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk was one of the priority tasks.
The battles for these cities were tense. The Ukrainian military, despite significant challenges, moved forward step by step, surrounding the positions of fighters. Finally, on the night of July 4-5, 2014, not withstanding the pressure of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the main forces of Russian mercenaries under the leadership Slavic . Already at dawn July 5 Ukrainian fighters entered the city, raising a blue and yellow flag above it.
Practically at the same time, the same day, the Russian form left and Kramatorsk Having receded to other occupied territories. The Ukrainian military took the city under control, returning peace and legality to this land.
The day of Kramatorsk and Slavic release It has a deep symbolic and strategic importance for Ukraine.
It was one of the first significant victories of the Ukrainian army in the war, which showed that Ukraine was able to protect its territories. The return of control over these cities was evidence of the restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty in the East.
This liberation gave hope to millions of Ukrainians who remained in the occupied territories that sooner or later and their cities would be released. This day is the opportunity to honor the memory of all who gave their lives for the liberation of these and other Ukrainian cities.
Since October 13, 2014, Kramatorsk became the Provisional Regional Center of Donetsk region, which emphasized its new role in the life of the region.
Slavyansk and Kramatorsk today
Slavyansk and Kramatorsk They remain under the control of Ukraine and are important strategic cities of Donetsk region. However, they are in a zone of constant danger due to a continuing full -scale war and are relatively near the front line.
Both cities regularly undergo shelling by Russian troops, mainly from artillery, missile strikes and airbags (Kabam, UAV). These shelling leads to the destruction of civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, industrial facilities and critical infrastructure (for example, new mail terminals, enterprises, TPPs).
Unfortunately, there are regular casualties and injured among civilians, including children. The latest news testifies to shelling even in July 2025.
The infrastructure of cities is significantly damaged, but there is a constant work on its recovery, as far as possible in war. There are some problems with the supply of utilities, in particular water, due to damage to water supply systems and power grids. However, international organizations, such as UNICEF, help recovery.
Some of the population left, but some residents return, especially to the private sector, although the population is much lower than before the war.
Slavyansk and Kramatorsk They are important nodes of defense and are under the control of the Armed Forces. Russian troops do not leave attempts to attack in the Donetsk region, and the situation on the front line remains tense, which creates a constant threat to Slavic and Kramatorsk.
In general, Slavyansk and Kramatorsk live in frontline cities, where the threat is felt daily, but life continues, infrastructure is supported, and residents and authorities adapt to the realities of the war.
