Life in Donbas: ‘If we surrender, all will be lost’

The Russian forces are pushing toward Kostiantynivka, aiming to secure the entire Donbas region. Despite the ongoing battles, locals and soldiers remain determined to hold the ground, as revealed by DW correspondent Hanna Sokolova-Stekh. A recent report from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia now dominates nearly all of Luhansk, leaving about 18% of Donetsk still in Ukrainian hands. The current offensive focuses on capturing Kostiantynivka, a strategic point that could lead to the fall of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.

Urban Frontline

A Ukrainian military commander, known as Lys (meaning Fox), shared details about the fighting near Kostiantynivka. “Our troops are actively defending the outskirts, and some Russian forces have slipped into the city through the forests, using fog as cover,” he said. He warned that the enemy is testing the entire front to find weak spots, often applying pressure to a specific area. “Once they identify a breach, they’ll exploit it,” Lys added. The town, he described, acts as a barrier preventing further Russian advances. “Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk form a single urban complex. If they take Kostiantynivka, they’ll have a clear path to the rest.”

Peace Talks and Resistance

Russia is not only using military force but also diplomatic tactics. During recent negotiations, Moscow insisted on Ukrainian withdrawal from all of Donbas, including both Luhansk and Donetsk. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected this, fearing the region could become a base for future attacks. “Donbas is home to strong defenses and fortifications,” he said. “Even amid the fighting, over 200,000 civilians remain here.” Ruslan, a mortar commander, echoed this sentiment: “How can we abandon a place where so many have sacrificed their lives? It’s unthinkable.” Eduard, a battalion chief, agreed: “Defending Kostiantynivka is vital. If it falls, Kramatorsk will be next.”

Civilians in Peril

Evacuation from Kostiantynivka is slow, relying on a single road protected by a frayed anti-drone net. A rifle brigade’s company commander, who requested anonymity, described the grim reality: “I found dead civilians in three nearby houses. Why do they stay behind?” In Druzhkivka, some residents continue to work, their routines disrupted but not abandoned. “Life here is terrifying,” said Ninel, a local woman. Vitaliy, an elderly man, admitted, “I don’t know where else to go. My time is limited anyway.”

Urban Strain

Though Kramatorsk isn’t on the front line, its destruction worsens daily. On March 29 alone, aerial bombs killed three people, including a 13-year-old boy. One strike hit a residential area already targeted seven times. “We’ll gather our belongings,” said Olena, gazing from her window without glass. “If the curfew is extended, we’ll have to flee—just like in Pokrovsk and Druzhkivka.” Anti-drone nets, once a symbol of defense, now stretch across the city, a reminder of the relentless toll on daily life.