The situation in Ukraine's occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas remains tense as Russian forces maintain their control, leading to a complex humanitarian and geopolitical crisis. Reports have surfaced of Russian military fortifications, large-scale investments in infrastructure, and systematic efforts to integrate these regions into Russia's economic sphere. Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, have voiced concerns over the humanitarian disasters unfolding in areas like Oleshky, as residents endure severe shortages of essentials such as electricity and medicine. The international community is being urged to document alleged crimes and violations. Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions continue, with Ukraine steadfast in its refusal to compromise on territorial integrity, as reaffirmed by various international bodies. Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine's defense forces execute targeted operations against military infrastructure in these regions, striving to weaken the occupying forces' hold and signal resilience in the face of occupation.
What is the current situation in the occupied territories of Ukraine?
The occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and Donbas, are under significant strain due to Russian control. Local populations are facing dire humanitarian conditions, with reports of shortages in electricity, gas, food, and medical supplies. The geopolitical situation remains tense, with continuous efforts by Russia to integrate these regions into its economic and political framework. Ukrainian authorities, alongside international organizations, are calling for increased monitoring and intervention to address the humanitarian crisis and uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity.
How is Ukraine responding to the occupation of its territories by Russia?
Ukraine is actively resisting the occupation of its territories by Russia through diplomatic and military means. Ukrainian forces routinely conduct targeted operations to undermine the military capabilities of the occupying forces. Diplomatically, Ukraine remains firm in its stance against recognizing the occupation and continues to engage with international partners to seek support and reinforce its sovereignty. The government also emphasizes the importance of humanitarian aid and the documentation of occupation-related human rights violations.
What international reactions are there to the occupation of Crimea and Donbas?
International reactions to the occupation of Crimea and Donbas are largely supportive of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Key global organizations and nations have condemned Russia's actions and imposed sanctions aimed at deterring further aggression. There is a call for constant monitoring by international bodies to ensure human rights are upheld in these regions. Diplomatic dialogues, such as those led by the United Nations, emphasize the need for a peaceful resolution that respects Ukraine's borders.
How have recent events affected life in occupied territories like Oleshky?
In occupied territories such as Oleshky, life has become increasingly challenging due to the lack of basic necessities, such as electricity, gas, food, and medical care. The ongoing conflict has significantly damaged infrastructure, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. Efforts by Ukrainian and international bodies to address these conditions are hampered by limited access and the need for more comprehensive support and humanitarian missions to alleviate the suffering of the local population and document any war crimes.
What are the humanitarian concerns in Crimea and Donbas under occupation?
Humanitarian concerns in Crimea and Donbas are critical, with residents facing severe shortages of essential goods and disrupted access to services. These issues are exacerbated by ongoing military operations and restrictive measures imposed by occupying forces. Efforts to provide adequate humanitarian aid are continually challenged, prompting calls from Ukrainian and international officials for more robust intervention and access to document potential human rights violations and ensure the well-being of the affected populations.
What infrastructure damage has been reported in these occupied regions?
Reports from the occupied regions of Crimea and Donbas highlight extensive infrastructure damage, including critical facilities such as power plants and transport networks. This damage significantly impacts the daily lives of residents, reducing access to electricity, clean water, and transportation, and complicates humanitarian assistance efforts. Rebuilding and restoration efforts face significant challenges due to ongoing military activities and the strategic priorities of the occupying forces, which neglect civilian needs.
What diplomatic efforts are ongoing regarding the occupied territories?
Diplomatic efforts regarding the occupied territories involve continuous engagement between Ukraine and its international allies to seek peaceful resolutions while insisting on the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity. The international community, including top UN officials, repeatedly condemns the occupation and supports negotiations that respect Ukraine's sovereignty. These efforts highlight the need for adherence to international law and the pursuit of a diplomatic solution that acknowledges Ukraine's territorial claims.
What is the economic impact of the occupation on these regions?
The economic impact of the occupation in Crimea and Donbas is profound, with local economies suffering due to isolation from Ukrainian financial systems and international trade. Russia's investments in the regions aim to integrate them into its own economy, creating dependencies that further complicate potential reintegration into Ukraine. This strategy undermines Ukraine's efforts to regain control and hampers the regions' economic recovery potential, causing escalating poverty and unemployment rates locally.
What actions have Ukrainian defense forces taken in the occupied regions?
Ukrainian defense forces have been conducting operations in the occupied territories to counter Russian military activities and sabotage efforts, such as targeting military infrastructure and supply lines. These measures aim to weaken the occupying forces' operational capabilities and demonstrate Ukraine's resolve to regain its territories. Despite limited resources, these operations are crucial in maintaining pressure on the occupiers and supporting Ukraine's long-term strategic goals of territorial restoration.
Why is the issue of territorial integrity significant in the occupation of Crimea and Donbas?
The issue of territorial integrity is central to the conflict in Crimea and Donbas because it involves fundamental principles of national sovereignty and international law. The occupation challenges Ukraine's territorial boundaries and raises global security concerns, emphasizing the importance of respecting jurisdictions and preventing aggressive territorial claims. Maintaining territorial integrity is crucial for preserving national identity, stability, and political autonomy, making it a core focus of Ukraine and its allies in diplomatic negotiations and international discourse.
w117_header_alt Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Chonhar Bridge has sustained serious damage. SATELLITE IMAGES The Chonhar road bridge, which connects the temporarily occupied Crimea with the Kherson region, has suffered significant damage. Satellite images have revealed the extent of the damage to the bridge. 10 461 31 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Russia has not granted humanitarian access to Oleshky and Hola Prystan, - UN Russia has still not granted humanitarian organisations safe access to Oleshky and Hola Prystan in the Kherson region. Residents of these communities are in need of food and medicines. 5 264 14 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Humanitarian crisis in Oleshky
"Anchorage agreements" are no longer subject of peace negotiations – Zelenskyy Recognition of Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea, the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as the occupied parts of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, is no longer a subject of peace negotiations. 4 856 31 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Peace negotiations
Russia must be held accountable for deliberately causing humanitarian disaster in occupied Kherson region, - Sybiha. PHOTOS Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasised that the humanitarian disaster on the temporarily occupied left bank of the Kherson region was caused by the Russian Federation, and that it is the Russian Federation that must bear responsibility. 2 497 18 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Occupying authorities are imposing imperial myths on students instead of history, – FIS. PHOTOS Russia is systematically imposing its own version of history on students in the temporarily occupied territories. According to the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service, teaching materials for students in the occupied Kherson region present Kyivan Rus’ and its legacy in the context of the... 4 498 42 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Rewriting textbooks in Russia Russia’s impact on children under occupation
Following talks, Russian Federation has for some time now failed to confirm its willingness to evacuate people from occupied town of Oleshky, - Lubinets Russia has once again disregarded the principles of international humanitarian law and basic humanity in relation to the humanitarian disaster in the occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region. 1 135 5 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Critical situation in Oleshky serves as warning against normalising occupation: Russia is effectively keeping population trapped, - Sybiha Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, has commented on the critical situation in Oleshky, in the Kherson region, which is temporarily occupied by Russia. 3 670 11 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Liberation of Izium: Final part of film "1ZIUM" about events of 10 September 2022 released. VIDEO On the day marking the liberation of Izium in the Kharkiv region, viewers can watch the final part of the film "1ZIUM," which focuses on the events of 10 September 2022. 1 532 0 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Ukraine’s occupied territories were given score of ’minus one’ out of 100 for freedom, - Freedom House The territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia have, for the second year running, been ranked among the least free places in the world. In the Freedom House ranking, they scored -1 out of a possible 100, whilst Russia itself scored 12 and the territory of Ukraine under the control of... 2 367 10 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
23 Ukrainians have been returned from occupied territories: oldest is 88 years old, youngest 11. PHOTO Over the past two weeks, 23 Ukrainian citizens have been successfully returned from the temporarily occupied territories, with 16 of them leaving within a single day. Among those rescued were children, elderly people and those with reduced mobility, as well as Ukrainians with health problems. 1 525 1 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Ukrainian aircraft-type drone attacks Russian checkpoint in occupied Donetsk Oblast. VIDEO A video has been published online showing the destruction of a Russian occupation forces’ facility in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk Oblast. 5 847 6 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Rockets struck enemy’s main and backup command posts in Donetsk area, - General Staff On August 26 and during the night of August 27, 2026, units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck a number of key enemy targets. 4 800 14 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Destruction of Russian equipment Elimination of Russian occupying forces
Svitlana Loi, 70-year-old Ukrainian woman sentenced by occupiers to 15 years for assisting Ukrainian Armed Forces, sings ’Song of Towel’ in courtroom. VIDEO The Moscow Court of Appeal has upheld the sentence handed down to Svitlana Loi, a 70-year-old resident of the temporarily occupied city of Tokmak in the Zaporizhzhia region. The occupation court had sentenced her to 15 years’ imprisonment for assisting the Ukrainian army. 7 262 38 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Fire caused by Russian air defence operations has been raging for seven days in occupied Yalta: 50 hectares of forest are ablaze, and city is shrouded in smoke. VIDEO In the temporarily occupied Crimea, a forest fire has been burning for the seventh consecutive day in the mountainous area near Yalta (in the Autka neighbourhood). 3 996 10 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Ukraine expects to reach balance this year between territory temporarily occupied by Russia and territory we have liberated, - Zelenskyy Ukraine has already regained control of 820 square kilometres, whilst 990 square kilometres have been occupied since the start of the year. 2 663 46 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas deoccupation of the territory
As result of Russian air defence operations, 50 hectares of forest caught fire near occupied Yalta. VIDEO In the temporarily occupied Crimea, the forest fire in the mountains near Yalta – which was caused by Russian air defence operations – has spread to cover 50 hectares. 2 782 5 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
The derelict and ruined ’Shakhtar’ stadium in occupied Donetsk. VIDEO A video has been published online showing the current state of the historic ‘Shakhtar’ stadium, located in Shcherbakov Park in occupied Donetsk. 8 820 31 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Armed Forces of Ukraine hit railway bridge in Zaporizhzhia region and enemy warehouses in Donetsk region, - General Staff On the night of August 16, the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out strikes against a number of key military targets of the Russian occupiers. The strikes hit an area where a missile unit was concentrated in occupied Crimea, a railway bridge in the Zaporizhzhia region, and warehouses in the... 1 800 1 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Destruction of Russian equipment
NASA depicts Crimea as "Russian" during live broadcast of solar eclipse in Europe. PHOTOS The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), during a live broadcast of the total solar eclipse on 12 August, displayed a map that visually depicted temporarily occupied Crimea as "Russian." 8 203 39 Previously in trend: Ukrainian Crimea Occupation of Crimea Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
13 power substations in TOT were struck by USF within 48 hours, – Madyar. VIDEO Unmanned systems forces continue to strike energy infrastructure in the occupied territories. Between 4 and 5 August, 13 targets were attacked. 1 328 6 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Attacks on the energy sector
Explosions were heard overnight in occupied cities of Luhansk, Dovzhansk, Zuhres and Sevastopol. VIDEO&PHOTOS On the night of 1 August, a series of explosions rocked the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk Oblast, Donetsk Oblast and Crimea. Military and energy facilities belonging to the Russian occupying forces may have been targeted. 2 536 5 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
USF struck 164 energy targets belonging to occupiers in Crimea and TOT - Madyar. VIDEO Ukrainian drone operators continue to systematically destroy the energy infrastructure of the Russian invaders in the occupied territories. 1 384 1 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Attacks on the energy sector
Following drone attacks, fires broke out in Engels, Rostov, Belgorod and occupied Luhansk. VIDEO&PHOTOS On the night of 25 July, explosions and fires were reported in Engels, Rostov, Belgorod and occupied Luhansk following drone attacks. Fires were recorded near a military airfield, logistics facilities and energy infrastructure. 6 591 14 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Striking Russia
Resident of occupied Crimea showed empty shelves of chain supermarket: "What’s going on there, lads? No petrol, is there? What do you make of this?". VIDEO A video filmed by a local resident in one of the supermarket chains in occupied Crimea has been shared on social media. 10 899 39 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Fuel shortage in Crimea
Bridge on Donetsk-Mariupol highway destroyed by Ukrainian drones. VIDEO A video has been shared on social media showing the extent of the destruction of a bridge on the Donetsk-Mariupol highway in the temporarily occupied territory of the Donetsk region. 7 154 16 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
In one month, USF units struck more than 30 Russian air defense elements in occupied regions. VIDEO Units of the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are reporting on the results of systematic combat operations aimed at neutralising the air defence systems of the Russian occupying forces. Throughout June, Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial systems have increased their... 1 255 2 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Destruction of Russian equipment
In occupied Luhansk region, before elections to Russian State Duma, people are being fined for refusing Russian passport, - RMA In the temporarily occupied territory of the Luhansk region, the occupying authorities have stepped up checks on citizens ahead of the elections to the State Duma of the Russian Federation. 866 7 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Situation in occupied Luhansk region
Russian woman cries by Russian Railways carriage at station in occupied Crimea: "Oh God, why am I here? I want to go back to Moscow. What are these ruins?". VIDEO A telling video has appeared online in which a young Russian woman complains about the total logistical collapse and the conditions she has to endure in order to return by rail from occupied Crimea to Moscow. 16 305 55 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Ukrainian reconnaissance drone soars through skies above occupied Donetsk. VIDEO Unique, up-to-date footage of the temporarily occupied city of Donetsk, filmed from a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle, has appeared online. 6 734 9 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
1,700 people and more than 40 children remain in occupied Oleshky; leaving is impossible, - CMA In the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in the Kherson region, there are still about 1,700 residents (there were over 24,000 before the war), including more than 40 children, but it is impossible to leave or enter the city. 1 212 1 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Situation in occupied Kherson region
Kerch Bridge cannot bear weight, and air defences are powerless: Crimea and Melitopol have become trap for Russians, - Hodges The temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and Melitopol have become a veritable trap for the Russian invaders. Systematic and precise deep strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces have completely paralysed the enemy’s logistics in the southern sector. 6 306 18 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Two men siphoning fuel from parked car at night in occupied Donetsk. VIDEO from surveillance camera A video from CCTV cameras has been published online, showing the consequences of the acute shortage of fuel and lubricants in occupied Donetsk. 4 600 11 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Near occupied Horlivka, Ukrainian drone destroyed Russian lorry and killed driver: "Wing has flown in, road is blocked". VIDEO Movement along the logistics routes used by Russian invaders in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk Oblast remains extremely dangerous due to round-the-clock fire control by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 7 419 11 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
In occupied Oleshky, bodies of those killed are taken to Kalanchak and not returned In occupied Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, the Russian administration has changed the burial procedure for the dead. The bodies of people killed by shelling or mine explosions are now being taken to Kalanchak, allegedly for examination. 2 805 7 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Foreign Ministry on Russia’s confiscation of property in temporarily occupied territories: Stolen property must be returned The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasizes that the illegal expropriation by Russia and its occupation administrations of state, municipal, and private property in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine is unlawful and will be reversed in the future. 1 436 3 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Ukrainian drone is patrolling bypass road in occupied Donetsk. VIDEO Ukrainian defense forces are increasingly extending their fire and reconnaissance control over key enemy logistics routes deep behind enemy lines in the occupied Donetsk region. According to Censor.NET, a video has surfaced online that has caused serious panic among Russian invaders and military... 7 386 12 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Mendel claimed that Ukraine was allegedly prepared to make concessions to Russia in Istanbul. The Office of President categorically denied this The President’s former press secretary, Yulia Mendel, claimed that Ukraine was allegedly prepared to make concessions to Russia in Istanbul. The Office of the President emphasised that she had no involvement in the peace talks and was not privy to Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decisions regarding Donbas. 21 106 203 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Istanbul process
Ukraine has received more than 120 appeals from residents of occupied Oleshky about humanitarian catastrophe. DOCUMENT The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights is maintaining communication with the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the organization of the evacuation of residents of occupied Oleshky. 1 324 4 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Oleshky and Hola Prystan in Kherson region have been left without basic living conditions, - MFA Russia’s criminal actions have led to a humanitarian disaster in a number of settlements in the temporarily occupied Kherson region. 3 776 7 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
All mass events before 9 May cancelled in occupied Crimea All mass events before 9 May have been cancelled in temporarily occupied Crimea. 1 525 15 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Occupying forces acknowledge sharp rise in cancer cases in Donetsk region, but there is no one to treat patients Activists from the "Yellow Ribbon" movement have repeatedly reported on the critical state of healthcare in the occupied territories of Ukraine. 1 193 13 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Red Cross seeks information on situation in occupied Oleshky. Earlier reports indicated cases of hunger in city The International Committee of the Red Cross is seeking to obtain information about the situation in the occupied town of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast. 1 772 2 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Air defense, oil depot and command posts: Defense Forces carry out series of strikes on enemy – General Staff Yesterday and overnight on April 29, units of Ukraine’s Defense Forces carried out a series of strikes on Russian occupiers’ facilities, hitting air defense elements, ammunition depots, an oil depot and UAV command posts. 955 0 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Attacks on Crimea Strikes on Russia’s oil ports
City under siege and "hell" for civilians: Kherson Regional Military Administration describes critical situation in occupied Oleshky The bodies of the deceased have remained unburied for weeks, and the logistics infrastructure has been completely destroyed—the occupied city of Oleshky in the Kherson region is under a complete humanitarian blockade. 8 198 15 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Around 2,000 civilians, including 50 children, remain in occupied Oleshky, - Regional Military Administration Around 2,000 civilians remain cut off from the outside world in the occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region. 4 028 7 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Zelenskyy rejects Russian claims of full capture of Luhansk region: This does not correspond to reality President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russian claims of allegedly having full control over the Luhansk region do not correspond to reality. 1 952 21 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions
Defense forces struck rocket and artillery equipment depot, fuel and lubricants convoy, and P-18 radar station, - General Staff On the night of April 23, units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces struck a number of Russian targets. 1 300 2 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Destruction of Russian equipment
Gerasimov has declared full occupation of Luhansk region for fourth time Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff, has once again claimed that Russian forces have allegedly fully occupied the Luhansk region. 2 947 10 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
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