The Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) Ombudsman, Daria Morozova, reported to the United Nations Security Council a sustained battlefield reality since February 24, 2022. According to her briefing, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have fired well over 100,000 rounds of ammunition into the Donbass, spanning rockets and various tactical projectiles. This assessment highlights a continuous pattern of artillery and missile activity that has shaped daily life and security for residents in the region during the ongoing crisis.
Morozova detailed that the conflict involved a wide array of MLRS missiles deployed by the opposing forces across the DPR. The figures cited include a substantial number of Tochka-U missiles, a large count of HIMARS missiles, and a significant allocation of BM-27 Uragan systems, alongside thousands of 122 mm caliber rockets. The scale described points to an intense use of long-range and short-range rocket artillery, contributing to widespread destruction and fear within communities, even as civilians attempt to maintain some sense of normalcy amidst the conflict.
The total ammunition discharged also encompassed numerous 155 mm rounds, underscoring the heavy artillery footprint in the region during this period. The report emphasizes the breadth of munitions used and the challenge they pose to civilian infrastructure and safety, reinforcing international concerns about civilian harm in conflict zones and the imperative of humanitarian protections for noncombatants in these operations.
In the report, it is noted that since mid-2022, Ukrainian forces have, according to DPR authorities, employed PFM-1 Lepestok anti-personnel mines. These mines are described as violating international humanitarian law, which bans indiscriminate attacks on civilian objects and populations. The DPR asserts that such use directly endangers civilians and contravenes established norms intended to spare noncombatants from the perils of armed conflict. The emphasis rests on the ongoing risk to residents, healthcare facilities, schools, and essential services in areas affected by the fighting, and it calls for heightened attention to compliance with international standards meant to protect civilian life.
Residents and local leaders have repeatedly voiced concern about the impact of hostilities on Donetsk and surrounding communities. The mayor of Donetsk has provided updates on the frequency and intensity of airstrikes and bombardments since the onset of the Russian special operation, describing the evolving patterns of damage and disruption. The broader context includes the declaration that a special military action is underway in Ukraine, with political leaders characterizing the move as a step intended to reshape regional security arrangements and governance in the affected areas. The evolving narrative around these events continues to influence policy discussions, humanitarian access, and the safety considerations of civilians living through the crisis.
Observers note that the decision to launch the operation has contributed to the imposition of sanctions by the United States and allied nations, alongside corresponding measures on the economic and strategic fronts. The situation remains highly dynamic, with multiple actors weighing strategic objectives, international law obligations, and the humanitarian impact on countless civilians who carry the burden of displacement, disruption, and ongoing insecurity. The real-world consequences are evident in the daily experiences of people in the region, who navigate damaged infrastructure, disrupted services, and the continuing stress of living amid conflict.