Slovianskyi

Slovianskyi is a city located in the Donetsk Oblast (province) of Ukraine. As of the 2020 Ukrainian Census, the city has a population of approximately 19,203 people. Slovianskyi serves as the administrative center of the Sloviansk Raion (district) and is situated near the Siverskyi Donets River.

The city holds significant importance historically, particularly during the Ukrainian-Russian conflict in the mid-2010s. Sloviansk became one of the battlegrounds between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatist groups, such as the Donetsk People's Republic.

During this conflict, Sloviansk was the site of several intense battles, and the city changed hands several times. The city eventually came under the control of Ukraine, but significant damage was done to its infrastructure and economy.

Today, Sloviansk continues to face the economic and social consequences of the conflict. Many of its residents made themselves refugees in other parts of Ukraine or settled in other cities abroad. Ageing residential buildings, which suffered during the shelling, contribute to Sloviansk's economic problems.

The infrastructure of the city is one area that has been tried to be repaired and restored; for instance, some urban services like water, gas, heat, etc have been partially restored. Engaging various local and international projects, locals seek a future for their city amidst freshly-articulated negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.