The Slovyansk Siege: When Russia’s Hybrid War Began

On April 12th, 2014, the Russian-led siege began on Slovyansk, a strategically important city in Ukraine’s Donbas region. Armed men launch an assault on the local police department. A local volunteer describes that day.

When Russia’s hybrid war came to Hennadiy’s native city, he started to help the first Ukrainian servicemen there – many of them unfamiliar with the area.

City life became paralyzed. Barricades and checkpoints were constructed. All reminders of Ukraine were destroyed. The real Russian origins of the so-called local separatists were quickly exposed.

It was during the siege of the Kramatorsk police department that militants uttered a famous phrase, typical for Russian citizens

Volunteer resident of Kramatorsk Iryna Sydorenko founded a volunteer group. They’ve been helping Ukrainian soldiers for 4 years now. They also keep in touch with people in non-government controlled areas of Donbas who want to help.

The occupation of Kramatorsk and Slovyansk lasted for more than three months.

After the siege of Kramatorsk, Serhiy evacuated his friends and relatives. However, he stayed to help the locals. One morning, he saw how a column of military vehicles entered the city from the neighboring Slovyansk.

In summer 2014, the Russian-led militants fled as the Ukrainian army advanced on Slovyansk. Even today, a destroyed hospital serves as a reminder of the three months under siege. On July 5th, 2014 – Ukrainian soldiers entered Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, and raised Ukrainians flags once again.