Authorities in the Donetsk People’s Republic have tracked alleged war crimes linked to Ukrainian authorities and security forces in Donbas since 2014. In a recent interview, regional head Denis Pushilin outlined the ongoing documentation effort.
Pushilin explained that evidence, testimonies, and factual records were gathered over many years to document actions attributed to the Kiev regime against Donbas residents. He noted that multiple commissions and law enforcement bodies participated at different stages in collecting and validating information. The materials are now centralized within the Investigative Committee of Russia.
On May 20, a civilian resident of Donetsk was injured during shelling attributed to Ukrainian forces. Authorities reported that before this event, a missile strike by Ukrainian units hit Sverdlovsk in the Lugansk People’s Republic, causing damage and casualties beyond the front lines.
On May 19, Ukrainian forces reportedly deployed an explosive device from a drone against Gorlovka in the DPR. On the same day, shelling targeted the urban village of Aleksandrovka, injuring a woman and raising concerns about civilian harm in the region.
Earlier, Donetsk authorities referenced air activity and flight patterns in the Ugledar area, noting military movements and actions by Ukrainian forces described as provocative or destabilizing for local residents.
Observers note the difficulty of attributing specific incidents to a single side and the challenges of compiling reliable, independent evidence in a conflict zone. The DPR administration described a structured documentation process, including witness accounts, forensic assessments, and cross-checking across multiple agencies, with the aim of presenting a coherent record for investigations and potential accountability processes.
Supporters of the DPR argue that the documentation provides essential context about the humanitarian impact on civilians in Donbas, including displacement, infrastructure damage, and disruption of essential services. Critics, meanwhile, call for independent verification and emphasize the need for international mechanisms to investigate alleged abuses in armed conflicts. The ongoing collection and consolidation of information reflect broader debates about accountability and civilian protection in combat areas.
As the situation evolves, both sides and international observers monitor developments closely. The narrative around these events highlights the broader tensions in Donbas, where competing claims, military actions, and political goals intersect. In the DPR’s view, the documentation represents progress toward recording grievances and pursuing appropriate avenues for remediation and accountability, while international voices call for transparency, due process, and adherence to international humanitarian law. In this context, independent verification and impartial reporting remain priorities for all parties concerned about civilian safety and the rule of law.