Russia-Installed Officials Report Deadly Ukrainian Strikes in Occupied Donetsk

The Moscow-appointed head of occupied Donetsk said late Monday that Ukrainian forces carried out heavy drone and missile attacks on two cities in the region, killing two people and wounding 16.

Denis Pushilin, writing on Telegram, reported strikes on Donetsk city and the nearby industrial hub of Makiivka. Ukrainian officials have not commented.

Russian state media, citing local security services, said more than 20 drones were launched in the assaults, prompting air defense responses as explosions echoed across Donetsk. Thick smoke was reported over parts of the city.

The Russian war blog Rybar said blasts were also recorded in Yenakiievo, where an apartment building was reportedly hit.

Russian forces, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, currently occupy less than 20% of Ukrainian territory, including roughly three-quarters of Donetsk. Moscow has annexed Donetsk and three other regions and is continuing its push westward to seize full control.