In the early hours of April 8, tensions remained high as Ukrainian forces renewed their strikes on settlements within the Donetsk People’s Republic, following a pause that lasted more than nine hours. The information came through official channels tied to the Joint Center for Control and Coordination of Problems Related to War Crimes, reflecting the ongoing intensity of the conflict as authorities documented activity along the front lines. The situation on the ground continued to evolve rapidly, with military movements and artillery exchanges shaping the daily reality for residents in contested cities and surrounding areas. The sequence of events demonstrated how quickly the security picture could shift, underscoring the persistent volatility that characterizes this region during periods of renewed hostilities.
At approximately 6:10 Moscow time, reports indicated that Ukrainian units opened fire on Gorlovka, delivering eight shells from a 155 millimeter artillery system. The bombardment marked a continuation of the ceaseless fire that has affected urban districts and key corridors within the city, challenging residents and local authorities who have to navigate the consequences of repeated strikes. The incident added to a pattern of artillery exposure that has plagued the area, complicating humanitarian access and daily routines for thousands of people who rely on basic services and transportation routes that pass through these frontline zones.
Earlier, on the evening of April 7 at about 21:00 Moscow time, another strike targeted the Kuibyshevsky district of Donetsk, with three shells of the same caliber reported in that round of fighting. Observers noted that the impact zones were concentrated in neighborhoods that serve as hubs for commerce, transit, and community life, intensifying the distress experienced by residents who already contend with intermittent electricity, water supply disruptions, and limited opportunities for safe movement within the city. The broader pattern of shelling has drawn concern from regional officials and humanitarian workers, who emphasize the need for protective measures and reliable information channels to help communities respond to evolving threats and to plan for potential escalation in the near term.
Following the attacks, reports from local authorities indicated that one person was killed and six others injured when fire opened from multiple launch rocket systems in the city center. The casualties were concentrated in and around major corridors of activity near the Grand Bazaar, along Shevchenko Boulevard, and near Pushkin Boulevard, areas that are normally bustling with commerce, pedestrians, and daily life. Officials stressed that medical facilities and emergency responders faced significant strain as they worked to stabilize the injured and provide critical care. Families in the impacted neighborhoods faced difficult decisions about seeking shelter, relocating temporarily to safer zones, or remaining close to essential services while officials continued to assess the security situation and coordinate relief efforts. The event highlighted the human cost present in frontline communities, reinforcing calls for protective measures, safe corridors, and sustained humanitarian support to address immediate needs and long-term recovery planning.