Popasna
Popasna (), also Popasnaya (), is a city in the Sievierodonetsk Raion of the Luhansk Oblast (region) in eastern Ukraine currently contested between Ukraine under de facto control of Luhansk People's Republic as a result of fighting in Battle of Donbas (2022). Prior to 2020, it was the administrative center of the former Popasna Raion. History. During World War II, in 1941–1943, the German occupiers operated a Nazi prison in the town. A local newspaper is published in the city since March 1979. On June 19, 2014, Ukrainian forces reportedly secured the village from pro-Russian separatists. On July 8 , 2014, the pro-Russian separatists retook control of the city. On 22 July 2014 the pro-Ukrainian Donbas Battalion retook the city from the pro-Russian separatists. According to an eye witness the pro-Russian separatists had abandoned the town that day. Since then the city comes under periodic attack from the separatists. Land mines have been laid near Popasna. In March 2015 the city only had two stores with some basic products and one pharmacy and residents received food distribution through a volunteer organization. Meanwhile, residents complained about having to pay for public utilities, but being cut off from  social benefits supplied by the Ukrainian government. In 2022, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Popasna was again attacked by Russia. During the Battle of Donbas (2022), the city has been at the frontlines of fighting between Russia and Ukraine. As of April 23, the city remains contested.