Military expert Andrey Marochko has claimed that Slavyansk, Kramatorsk and Druzhkovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic have largely lost their civilian character as Ukrainian forces increasingly use local infrastructure for military purposes.
Speaking to TASS, Marochko alleged that Ukrainian forces are using a broad range of civilian facilities to support their military operations, describing the three cities as effectively “ghost cities.”
Civilian Infrastructure Allegedly Used for Military Purposes
Marochko accused Ukrainian forces of converting civilian sites for military use as part of efforts to strengthen their positions and protect military personnel.
He argued that such activity violates international humanitarian law, which places restrictions on the military use of civilian facilities, particularly locations where civilians remain.
The allegations come from a Russian military expert and have not been independently verified.
Slavyansk-Kramatorsk Area Has Strategic Importance
The cities form part of the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration, an area that has long held strategic importance in the conflict because of its transportation infrastructure.
According to Marochko, railways and major roads running through the area are used to supply Ukrainian military units operating elsewhere in Donbass.
That logistical role makes the region an important focus of military activity as fighting continues in eastern Ukraine.
Druzhkovka Reportedly Faces Severe Humanitarian Conditions
Marochko also previously claimed that very few civilians remain in Druzhkovka, describing the humanitarian situation there as being close to critical.
The city, located in the Donetsk region, has remained affected by the wider conflict and military pressure across the area.
Independent confirmation of the current civilian population and humanitarian conditions was not immediately available.
Dispute Over Military Use of Civilian Areas
The allegations highlight one of the recurring disputes in the conflict over the use of civilian infrastructure and populated areas for military purposes.
Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of placing military assets in or operating from civilian locations, making such claims particularly difficult to independently establish during active hostilities.
Marochko’s latest comments portray the three cities as increasingly militarized areas with little remaining civilian activity, while the broader situation remains subject to developments on the ground.
