In the summer of 2014, the conflict in eastern Ukraine escalated sharply. Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive to retake territory seized by Russian forces. One of their early successes came with the recapture of Sloviansk, forcing Russian-backed fighters to withdraw toward Donetsk and other areas still under Russian control.
As Ukrainian troops advanced, they closed in on Donetsk, a major stronghold of Russian-backed forces. Heavy artillery exchanges followed, with barrages from both sides devastating residential neighborhoods, damaging public buildings, and even striking a high-security prison.
Civilians were killed in the crossfire, and thousands fled the fighting.
Meanwhile, Russia intensified its involvement. Alongside Russian-backed fighters, Russian mercenaries, volunteers, weapons, tanks, and troops crossed from Russia to launch counterattacks. They pushed to regain control of border regions and stabilize the front lines.
By late summer, the conflict had escalated into large-scale battles, bringing Ukraine and Russian forces to the brink of full-scale war.
