The deadly blast hit in the Russian-held Ukraine city refers to a series of explosions that occurred in the separatist-controlled city of Donetsk on 21 January 2024. According to the Moscow-installed leader of the region, Denis Pushilin, at least 27 people were killed and 25 others were injured by a Ukrainian strike that targeted a busy market. The attack sparked outrage and condemnation from the Russian government, which accused Ukraine of violating the ceasefire agreement and escalating the conflict.
The city of Donetsk is one of the main strongholds of the pro-Russian rebels who have been fighting against the Ukrainian government since 2014. The conflict erupted after Russia annexed Crimea and supported the separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. Despite several attempts to broker a peace deal, the violence has continued, claiming more than 13,000 lives and displacing millions of people.
