Contact Us

Ghost town: Russian-held Popasna in Ukraine after end of siege

Two months after falling to Russian troops, the eastern Ukrainian town of Popasna that once was home to 20,000 residents has turned into a ghost town with little sign of life.

  • 4
  • 7
Ghost town: Russian-held Popasna in Ukraine after end of siege

A former resident, Vladimir Odarchenko, stood inside his damaged home and surveyed the debris strewn across the floor.

  • 5
  • 7
Ghost town: Russian-held Popasna in Ukraine after end of siege

"I have no idea what I'm going to do. Where to live? I don't know," he told Reuters. "Summer is fine, I can rent a tiny apartment, if I have enough money."

  • 6
  • 7
Ghost town: Russian-held Popasna in Ukraine after end of siege

Russia has continued to pound eastern Ukraine in an effort to gain control of the Donbas region. Moscow earlier this month captured Luhansk province, which makes up part of the Donbas.

  • 7
  • 7
Ghost town: Russian-held Popasna in Ukraine after end of siege

Russia launched what it called its "special military operation" against Ukraine on Feb. 24, which the West says is an unprovoked war of aggression.

The conflict has laid waste to Ukrainian cities and caused 5.2 million people to flee the country, according to the United Nations.