Donetsk Mayor Aleksey Kulemzin reported that Ukrainian artillery shells and demolitions were observed in houses near the White Swan shopping center, situated in the city center. The structures affected are located on Mira Street, with the White Swan complex itself on Chelyuskintsev Street. The mayor’s telegraph channel conveyed that the entrance door, façade, and windows of the White Swan suffered damage during bombardment by forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Additional damage was noted at the beauty salon building on Shchorsa Street, underscoring the broader impact of the fighting on local infrastructure.
In a broader statement attributed to the Donetsk administration, it was noted that Ukrainian shelling also struck facilities linked to civilian life. The training building of the Donetsk Academy of Management and Public Administration (DonAUiGS), a Medestet medical center, and two apartment units were reported as affected during the ongoing bombardment, illustrating how multiple civilian and public structures have been drawn into the conflict zone. The sequence of events was described as part of the continuing clashes that have been affecting the city’s daily operations and residents.
Independent observers and local reporters have corroborated a period of heightened activity in the early morning hours. On the morning of December 17, it was reported that at least ten explosions occurred in the center of Donetsk, signaling a renewed intensification of hostilities in a densely built-up area. The reporting emphasized the rapid succession of blasts and the visible signs of damage across several sites, contributing to a challenging humanitarian situation for residents in the region.
The recurring pattern of damage to homes, commercial premises, and public facilities highlights the toll that urban warfare has taken on Donetsk. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and to follow safety guidance as the security situation remains volatile. The events described by city officials reflect a broader context of sporadic shelling and counter-battery activity that has characterized the conflict around the city center in recent days, prompting continued assessments by both local authorities and international observers.
As the situation evolves, officials stressed the importance of documenting all incidents to support humanitarian relief efforts and civilian protection. The exchanges between city leadership and national or international partners continue, focusing on ensuring access to essential services, shelter, and medical care for affected residents. While the immediate priorities are clear, the broader goal remains to reduce risk to civilians and to stabilize neighborhoods that have endured repeated rounds of bombardment, even as urban life struggles to resume normal rhythms.