Donetsk Oblast is a region in Eastern Ukraine with a rich historical past and unique natural landscape. Until 2014, it was one of the most industrially developed regions of Ukraine.

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Total Area: 26,517 km²

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Administrative Structure: Donetsk Oblast consists of 8 districts, 47 cities, 131 urban-type settlements, and 1,118 villages. The administrative center is the city of Kramatorsk.

 

Demographics: As of January 1, 2022, the population of Donetsk Oblast was 4,059,372 people. Due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, the population has sharply decreased.

 

Interesting Facts Donetsk Oblast is known for its coal mines, which played an important role in the region's economy. The Sviatohirsk Historical and Architectural Reserve, one of the most important spiritual centers of Ukraine, is located in the region. Donetsk Oblast has access to the Sea of Azov, which makes it an attractive tourist region. The largest man-made forest in Europe, the Velykoanadolsky Forest, is located in Donetsk Oblast.

 

Russian-Ukrainian War: Since 2014, Donetsk Oblast has been the epicenter of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Part of the region has been temporarily occupied by Russian forces. The war has caused enormous damage to the region's infrastructure, economy, and ecology. Many cities and villages have been destroyed by shelling and bombing. Thousands of people have died, and millions have become internally displaced persons. Mariupol, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka are the cities that have suffered the most destruction, and where fierce battles have taken place. Currently, hostilities continue in the Donetsk region.