By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In the Russian-occupied cities of Donetsk and Mariupol, residents are facing a severe water crisis, with water supplies severely limited and often undrinkable. The destruction of infrastructure and failed reconstruction projects have led to a humanitarian emergency, exacerbated by high summer temperatures. Despite the construction of a new pipeline, the water shortage persists, and local reservoirs are rapidly dwindling. The situation has prompted concerns about public health, as well as leading to infrastructural collapse, institutional corruption, and humanitarian failure.
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Donetsk, once a vibrant city that hosted international events like the Euro 2012 football tournament and boasted modern infrastructure, is now facing a humanitarian crisis. The Russian invasion has transformed this once-thriving metropolis into a place grappling with “pre-Roman empire era problems,” and at the heart of this decline is a critical water shortage. This isn’t just a temporary inconvenience; it’s a symptom of a deeper systemic failure, with dire consequences for the city’s residents. Once, Beyonce performed in Donetsk, in the country’s largest stadium. Now, there is no water.
The origins of the water crisis are complex, stemming from Russia’s actions and the resulting disruption of vital infrastructure. Before the invasion, Donetsk relied heavily on the Donets River for its water supply. With the onset of the war, pumping stations and the canal systems that transported water have been destroyed, effectively cutting off the city’s primary water source. Adding to this devastation is the impact of record-breaking heatwaves, which have further depleted dwindling water reserves. These factors have combined to create a situation where residents are struggling to access even the most basic necessity for survival.
The core of the issue lies in the control and redirection of water resources. One of the primary objectives of the Russian forces has been the capture of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, key cities in the Donetsk region. This strategic move is directly linked to regaining control of the water supply network. Reports indicate that the Russian plan has expanded to incorporate the Kharkiv region as a solution, suggesting that securing water sources is paramount to their goals. The situation goes beyond a simple lack of water; it appears to be linked to the industrial needs of the Russian-controlled territories.
The situation is further complicated by allegations that Russia prioritizes industrial profit over the well-being of the civilian population. There are claims that the focus is on maximizing production in the region’s metallurgy factories, with little regard for the water needs of the people. Reports also suggest that a pipeline intended to alleviate the water shortage from the Don River may not be functional or insufficient to meet the demands of both Rostov-on-Don and the Donbas region. This points to a lack of planning or concern, exacerbating the crisis.
The consequences of the water shortage are far-reaching. Residents in Donetsk and Mariupol are left with limited access to clean water, and the situation is worsening. The absence of water affects all aspects of daily life, from basic sanitation and hygiene to healthcare and overall quality of life. Many residents are forced to rely on intermittent water deliveries or seek alternative, often unreliable, sources, heightening the risk of disease and hardship.
One of the long-term consequences of Russia’s actions appears to be displacement. The property of residents who are absent for a certain period is subject to “nationalization,” which is essentially theft. This policy, combined with the challenging living conditions, contributes to a cycle of people fleeing the region, potentially returning for periods, and then fleeing again. This situation is not simply about incompetence; it’s about systematic resource control and the application of a policy of abandonment.
The situation in Donetsk and Mariupol highlights the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on the civilian population. The lack of access to basic necessities like water exemplifies the broader humanitarian crisis. The long-term consequences are immense, the future of these cities hangs in the balance.