A Water Crisis Expands Through Occupied Donetsk
The Donetsk region, long battered by conflict, is now battling an acute drinking water shortage that has turned routine chores into daily trials. Residents in the Russian-controlled parts report that they receive running water only every three days, and even then it arrives late or with unreliable pressure. In many areas, taps fail to deliver water to all households, prompting families to improvise and queue for the precious supply at makeshift distribution points.
Why the Crisis Deepens
The roots go back to years of neglect, damaged infrastructure, and renewed combat. When Russia first annexed Crimea and escalated the Donbass conflict in 2014, water systems in the region suffered from poor maintenance. After Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the situation deteriorated further as pipelines were bombed or otherwise damaged. Over the past three years, the aging networks have slowly fallen apart, leading to sporadic water supply that is inadequate even during the allotted hours.
Damaged Pipes, Struggling Pressure
Residents who manage to obtain water often face low pressure, with taps barely delivering water to upper floors. In many high-rise blocks, people have installed taps in basements to collect what little water comes through, then carry it upstairs for household use. Tanker deliveries, when they arrive, are inconsistent and insufficient for the needs of families, schools, and clinics alike.
Daily Life Under Water Scarcity
The scarcity is reshaping routines across homes, schools, and hospitals. Some public facilities have shut toilets due to the lack of water, forcing staff to haul water in buckets and containers for basic hygiene and sanitation. The consequences extend beyond comfort: healthcare facilities and kindergartens report disruptions, with staff dedicating time to water collection rather than patient care or child welfare.
Human Toll and Vulnerable Populations
In conversations with Meduza, residents describe an atmosphere of fear and fatigue. One longtime Donetsk resident warned that “people will kill for water,” underscoring how desperation has intensified. Others note that the most vulnerable—single adults and the elderly—bear the heaviest burden, as they struggle to carry even small amounts of water back home. In some cases, residents report water that is discolored or contaminated due to low system pressure and backflow.
<h2 Attempts to Resolve the Crisis
Even a recently built water pipeline in Donetsk has not resolved the problem. While it promised to improve supply, locals say it has failed to deliver consistent access, leaving many in limbo and continuing to rely on uncertain tanker deliveries and ad hoc collection methods.
<h2 Political Context and Humanitarian Appeals
The broader political backdrop remains tense. Vladimir Putin has asserted Russia’s control over much of Donetsk, though a quarter of the region remains under Ukrainian government authority. In the Russian-controlled areas, the water crisis persists starkly, even as the Kremlin provides limited public guidance on solutions. Residents recently addressed an open letter to Putin, labeling the situation a “humanitarian and ecological catastrophe” and pleading for sustained relief and a clear plan to restore reliable water access.
Dialogue at the Highest Levels
In a recent phone conversation between Putin and Denis Pusilin, the de facto head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Putin acknowledged that the new water line had not yet resolved all issues, offering little detail on future steps. The exchange highlights the gap between official assurances and the lived reality of civilians who must endure daily water shortages.
<h2 What Comes Next?
Experts warn that without a durable repair of water infrastructure and consistent civilian relief, the humanitarian cost will rise. The region’s civilians are left to improvise amid an ongoing conflict, with limited access to clean water — a basic necessity that can determine the health and safety of thousands. The international community faces pressures to prioritize water and sanitation aid, while authorities on all sides are called to protect civilians and coordinate a credible plan to restore reliable water service.
