In the central district of Gorlovka, a boarding school suffered damage after night shelling that the authorities attributed to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The information was relayed through a local Telegram channel, which quoted Ivan Prikhodko, the city’s mayor, confirming the incident and outlining the consequences for the community.
Mayor Prikhodko explained that boarding school number 9, situated within Gorlovka’s central urban area, bore the brunt of the bombardment. The blast damaged substantial portions of the building and prompted immediate safety concerns for students and staff who use the campus as a daily learning and living space. Local emergency responders arrived on the scene to assess structural stability and to secure the area to prevent further harm to residents and passersby.
Earlier reports indicated that Ukrainian forces had fired a volley of rockets from multiple launch rocket systems toward Gorlovka, underscoring the intensity of the shelling described by officials in the Donetsk People’s Republic. The community has been on edge as residents respond to successive strikes that disrupt schooling, housing, and everyday life, compounding the strain on local infrastructure and public services that were already stretched during recent winter conditions.
On December 27, the mayor noted additional damage in the city’s central district, south of the university campus area. He reported that the structures housing two university dormitories sustained impact from the bombardment, raising alarming concerns about the safety and well-being of students pursuing higher education within Gorlovka. Local authorities pledged to inspect these facilities thoroughly to determine the extent of damage and to coordinate any potential temporary housing or relocation for displaced residents.
Earlier, on December 25, reports indicated that soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine opened fire on Gorlovka, escalating fears among residents about the security situation in this region of the Donetsk People’s Republic. Community leaders stressed the importance of clear communication to families who must navigate the risks associated with living in a conflict zone, including disruptions to schooling, utilities, and transportation networks essential for daily life.
Analysts note that such incidents occur within a broader context of heightened tensions and recurring threats to regional infrastructure. The Kremlin, while commenting on the situation, acknowledged an elevated risk of renewed attacks during the winter months, stressing that ongoing vigilance and resilience are required from both security services and civilian communities. This ongoing assessment reflects the OECD-style concerns about winter-time vulnerabilities and the impact on critical facilities, including schools and dormitories used by university students in Gorlovka.
In response to the incidents, city authorities have emphasized the need for continuity in education and safe accommodation for students and residents. Measures under consideration include rapid damage assessment teams, temporary learning spaces for displaced students, and enhanced coordination with regional emergency services to restore basic services as swiftly as possible. Residents have expressed a mix of resilience and concern, with many prioritizing the safety of children and the restoration of essential services in the coming days and weeks.
The events in Gorlovka illustrate the persistent volatility of the region and the way in which urban centers cope with the risks posed by cross-border hostilities. Community leaders and the mayor remain committed to transparent updates as information becomes available, while humanitarian authorities monitor the humanitarian implications and assist families affected by the shelling. The focus remains on safeguarding lives, preserving dignity, and maintaining access to education amid a challenging security environment.