Bakhmut

Bakhmut is situated on the Bakhmutka River, approximately 90 kilometres (55 miles) north of Donetsk, the administrative center of Donetsk Oblast. It was designated a city of regional significance until 2020, when this designation was removed.

Founded in the 16th century as a minor border post for the Russian state, Bakhmut's population grew significantly in the early 18th century. It served as the capital of Slavo-Serbia from 1753 to 1764, a colony established by Balkan settlers within the Russian Empire. The city received formal city status in 1783 and underwent extensive industrialization in the following centuries.

Bakhmut was known as Artemivsk from 1924 until 2016, named in honor of Bolshevik leader Fyodor Sergeyev, known as Comrade Artyom. The name change was part of a broader decommunization effort in Ukraine.

During World War II, Bakhmut was the site of the Artemivsk massacre, where thousands of Jews were killed by Nazi forces. The city was liberated by the Red Army on 5 September 1943.

In 2014, Bakhmut was involved in the battle of Artemivsk during the Donbas War, where Ukrainian forces recaptured the city from pro-Russian separatists. The city was officially renamed back to Bakhmut in 2016 following the decommunization laws.

During the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022, Bakhmut became a significant battleground. The city faced extensive destruction, with a large portion of its population fleeing. By May 2022, around 20,000 residents remained amid ongoing hostilities.