Water Crisis in Donetsk Escalates to Humanitarian Catastrophe
The water supply crisis in the occupied Donetsk region has escalated into a humanitarian disaster, as the occupying authorities fail to address the dire situation. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that this crisis is being utilized to justify further Russian aggression against Ukraine, reports 24brussels.
While residents of the city and region face severe shortages of water, industrial enterprises continue to receive regular supplies. “The Russian occupation authorities continue to attempt to claim resolution of the water crisis, yet their actions remain limited to superficial measures that do not improve water supply or sanitary conditions,” the ISW report states.
Currently, there are about a thousand water tanks installed, but this has failed to resolve the issue and instead has led to further complications, including bacterial contamination. A resident of Donetsk recounted to Reuters a near-blindness incident caused by a rare parasitic infection contracted from showering with contaminated water.
Amid the water scarcity, the occupying authorities in Donetsk are shifting the blame to Ukraine, asserting that they will restore water supply “immediately after the liberation of Sloviansk.” These claims are described as unsubstantiated, irresponsible, and rhetorical justifications for Russian forces to continue their attacks and occupation of Ukrainian territory, according to ISW.
Reports indicate that serious disruptions in water supply are widespread throughout the occupied region, with complete halts in supply to areas such as Yenakiieve and Debaltseve due to an unspecified “accident” affecting the main water pipeline.
The National Resistance Center has stated that the water supply situation in temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region – including Donetsk and Makiivka – is critical. According to the CNS press service, water is supplied according to a schedule: only once every three days for three hours.
