Graves are appearing right in the yards of homes in Druzhkivka
In Druzhkivka, Donetsk Oblast—which is under constant Russian attack—burials are taking place right in the yards of residential buildings. Due to the danger, people cannot safely reach cemeteries, so the deceased are being buried near their homes. The city is located between Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka, and the front line is gradually closing in.
Oleg Kornienko, a war correspondent for “Fakty ICTV,” described the situation in the city. According to him, Druzhkivka is currently under constant attack by Russian forces. The Russians are using aircraft, artillery, and drones. Drones are constantly circling the streets in search of targets.
This is especially dangerous for civilians who remain in the city. Because of this, even simply leaving the house can be life-threatening. “The enemy is currently actively shelling Druzhkivka. The city, located between Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka, is under constant air and artillery strikes. And enemy drones are constantly circling over the streets, searching for targets,” the journalist said.
According to him, civilians who were unable or unwilling to leave the city often find themselves among the Russian military’s targets.
The dead are being buried right next to their homes
Due to the dangerous situation in Druzhkivka, people are forced to bury the dead in the courtyards of residential buildings. These are the graves of people who died as a result of Russian shelling. Because of the constant attacks and the risk to life, it is often impossible to organize a proper burial at a cemetery.
These burials serve as yet another testament to how dire the situation in the city remains. The published photos show one of the burial sites right next to residential buildings. The journalist emphasizes that this kind of situation is no longer an exception for towns near the front lines. When a city is constantly under fire, everyday life and civilian activities become extremely difficult.
A volunteer urged people to evacuate
Volunteer Denis Khristov showed one such burial site. He appealed to the residents of Druzhkivka who still refuse to leave the dangerous area. He cited the example of a local woman who had previously refused to leave her home as well. “Over there, Ms. Hanna used to say the same thing—that she lives on her own land. Where is she now? She’s six feet under. Is that what you want? Who will be left to bury you?” the volunteer said.
Khristov explained that many people agree to evacuate only after the war reaches their very doorstep. According to him, some residents stay despite constant shelling but change their minds only after a direct hit. “As long as a shell doesn’t destroy their house—if they’re lucky enough to survive—they hold out, call for evacuation, and only then leave,” the volunteer said.
The Front Line Is Closing In
Druzhkivka is located between Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka and is of great strategic importance to this region of Donetsk Oblast. Against the backdrop of Russian troops’ offensive operations, the situation around the city is becoming increasingly dangerous. Russian troops regularly attack nearby towns and infrastructure. Under these conditions, Ukrainian authorities and volunteers continue to urge civilians to evacuate from areas where Russian drones and artillery are constantly active.
The problem is that some people are unwilling to leave their homes even when their lives are at risk. For many, these homes represent their own dwellings, farms, property, and the entire lives they have built over the years. However, the situation in Druzhkivka shows just how dangerous it can be to wait until the very last moment. When aerial bombs are already falling nearby, drones are active, and people are dying, the opportunities for a safe evacuation are becoming increasingly scarce.
Burials in the courtyards of residential buildings have become a harrowing consequence of this situation. They demonstrate not only the scale of the Russian shelling but also just how dangerous Druzhkivka remains for civilians. Oleg Kornienko, a war correspondent for “Fakty ICTV,” reported on the situation in the city.
The City Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergencies adopted a corresponding resolution on August 24. The hospital must cease operations by September 7, 2026. The Druzhkivka City Council explained that, given the constant threat of shelling, the safety of the people remains the top priority.
