Donetsk (Донецьк), Ukraine

Donetsk, Ukraine
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%92%D0%B8%D0%B4_%D1%81_%D1%82%D0%B5%D
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Author: Andrew Butko


Donetsk (Ukrainian: Донецьк, Russian: Доне́цк) is a major city in eastern Ukraine. It covers 358 sq km (138.2 sq mi) and has a population of 980,000 people (2011 estimate), within a metropolitan area of two million people. Donetsk is the fifth largest city in the country.

The city of Donetsk is the economic and cultural hub for the Donets Basin. It is today also the administrative center for Donetsk Oblast. The landscape here is one of steppe, with scattered woodlands. The Azov Sea is 95 km to the south of Donetsk, and is a popular recreational destination for the city folks.

Mall and Business Center on Artema Street, Donetsk
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DonetskCity.jpg
Author: Андрей Патриков


Donetsk experiences a moderate continental climate. The warmest month is July, when the average high temperature reaches 25°C (77°F). Coldest months are January and February, when the average low temperature drops to -7°C (18°F).

Donetsk traces its history to 1869, when it was established by Welsh businessman John Hughes as a steel manufacturing facility, taking advantage of the abundant coal in the area. At that time, Donetsk was part of the Russian Empire. Its earliest name was Hughesovka (Ukrainian: , Russian: ), in honor of its founder.

Fountain at Donetsk Circus
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Donetsk_cirk.jpg
Author: Andrew Butko


Church of the Holy Protection, Donetsk
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%A1%D0%B2%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%BE-%D0%9F%D0
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Author: Andrew Butko


Since its founding, Donetsk has changed its name numerous times. After the city came under Soviet rule, it was renamed Stalin in 1924. In 1929, it was renamed Stalino. In 1961, when Stalin fell out of favor, it was briefly renamed Trotsk - after Leon Trotsky - before being renamed again, to Donetsk, after the Seversky Donets river. This name remains to this day.

Visiting Donetsk

There are regular flights from Kiev to Donetsk International Airport (DOK). Going there by road will take you 6-8 hours from Kiev. In Donetsk, you can take minibuses to move about the city. They are quite cheap, and faster than the regular buses. People here are unlikely to speak any English. It may help if you know some Russian (not to mention Ukrainian).

Sights & Attractions in Donetsk

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