A Ukrainian serviceman walks an empty street in the front line city of Bakhmut, in Donetsk region, Ukraine on February 25, 2023. (Photo by Serhii Nuzhnenko/Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)

A Ukrainian MSLR BM-21 “Grad” fires towards Russian positions, near Bakhmut at the frontline in Donetsk region, Ukraine, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (Photo by Iryna Rybakova via AP Photo)

Ukrainian servicemen of the 28th Separate Mechanised Brigade fires a 122mm mortar towards Russian positions at the front line, near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, March 3, 2024. (Photo by Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo)

A Ukrainian Army liaison officer Vira, 22, plays with her rat Malyi (Tiny) at her positions near a frontline, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on March 8, 2024. (Photo by Inna Varenytsia/Reuters)

Ukrainian territorial defence soldiers from the Donetsk Oblast fire D-20 artillery in the direction of Toretsk, Ukraine, 24 July 2025. (Photo by Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images)

A woman carries a bag with a baby while being evacuated by local emergencies ministry members in Donetsk, Ukraine, February 2, 2017. (Photo by Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters)

A priest sprinkles holy water on a believer during the Orthodox Easter service in the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in the rebel-controlled city of Donetsk, Ukraine on May 2, 2021. (Photo by Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters)

A service member of the Ukrainian armed forces is seen at fighting positions on the line of separation from pro-Russian rebels in Donetsk region, Ukraine on April 10, 2021. (Photo by Oleksandr Klymenko/Reuters)