Avdiivka is a city in Ukraine, in the Pokrovsky district, Donetsk region. Administrative center of Avdiiv city community. It is located 13 km north of Donetsk, in the upper reaches of the Skotovata River in the Siverskyi Dinets basin. There is a railway station of the same name in the city.
Palace of Culture of PJSC "AKHZ".
Central city square.
Boulevard named after Shevchenko.
Khimik Stadium (Youth Street).
Linear polyclinic of Avdeevka station (Chistyakova street).
Blue
lakes, sand pit.
Red lake.
Cafe "Brevno".
Cafe Baroque.
Shop
"Karavai".
Railroad Park.
7th school.
"ATB".
"Decorate".
Religion
In Avdiivka, there is the center of the Avdeevka deanery
of the Donetsk diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow
Patriarchate - a church in honor of the Holy Archangel of God Michael,
as well as other churches included in this deanery: St. Nicholas, St.
Nicholas, St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, St. Lukinsky.
Also in the city is the Protestant Church "Awakening", which belongs
to the union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists.
Roads
The following roads pass through Avdiivka:
territorial highway T 0505 (Avdiivka — Donetsk)
road of regional
importance O0542 (Yasynuvata — Zhelanne)
An important element of the
city's transport infrastructure is the railway crossing connecting the
village of Khimik with the eastern part of the city. Also south of
Avdiivka, a few kilometers away, is the Donetsk bypass road, the M04
highway of international importance.
Tram
Tram traffic in the
city of Avdiivka began in 1965.
There was a tram line in the city
that connected the center of Avdiivka with the Avdiivka Coke Plant. In
the early 2000s, two tram routes operated. During the hostilities
(2014-2015), the tram network was damaged during artillery shelling, the
contact network was dismantled.
In October 2016, tram traffic was
restored, trams ran from the tram park to the coke chemical plant. Tram
traffic has been suspended since January 2017.
Railway
The
railway in Avdiivka has a long history.
The railway
infrastructure of Avdiyivka is a component of the Yasynuvat Directorate
of Railway Transportation of the Donetsk Railway. The following bus
stops are located in the city:
"Avdiivka" station;
with. n.
446 km;
with. n. 447 km;
with. Mr. Chemist.
As of December
2016, 4 pairs of suburban electric trains "Chaplyne-Avdiivka" run
through Ocheretyne.
Avdiivka is a city situated in the Donetsk Oblast of eastern Ukraine,
positioned centrally within the oblast and approximately 15 kilometers
north of the regional capital, Donetsk. Its geographical coordinates are
48°08′43″N 37°44′42″E, placing it within the broader Donetsk-Makiivka
urban agglomeration. The city covers a total area of 29 square
kilometers and lies on the East European Plain, a vast expanse of
lowlands and plateaus that dominates much of Ukraine's landscape. As
part of the Donbas region—a historically industrial and
conflict-affected area—Avdiivka's geography is shaped by its proximity
to major urban centers and its role as a strategic "gateway" to Donetsk,
influencing both its natural and human-modified features. The
surrounding area has been significantly altered by human activity,
including mining and warfare, but retains core elements of the steppe
environment typical of eastern Ukraine.
Topography and Terrain
Avdiivka's terrain is characteristic of the Donets-Azov Plateau, part of
the larger Donets Ridge and Azov Upland systems in eastern Ukraine. The
landscape features a mix of fertile plains, gentle rolling hills, and
plateaus, with relatively modest elevation variations that reflect the
region's position on the steppe-dominated East European Plain.
Elevations in and around the city range from a minimum of approximately
142 meters (466 feet) to a maximum of 272 meters (892 feet), with an
average elevation of about 206 meters (676 feet). This creates a varied
but not dramatically rugged topography, with low-lying depressions
interspersed among elevated areas. The terrain is generally flat to
undulating, making it suitable for agriculture and urban development,
though it has also facilitated military movements and entrenchments, as
evidenced by pre-existing trench lines visible in satellite imagery from
the area. Nearby, the landscape transitions into broader steppes and
small plains along river valleys, contributing to a sense of openness
typical of the Donbas. Human modifications, such as industrial sites and
quarries, have further shaped the local relief, including spoil heaps
from mining that resemble artificial hills.
Hydrology
The
hydrological features of Avdiivka are tied to the broader river systems
of the Donbas, which drain primarily into the Sea of Azov as part of the
Black Sea basin. The city itself does not host major rivers, but it is
proximate to several waterways that influence local drainage and water
availability. The Durna River, a small but strategically significant
stream, flows to the west of Avdiivka and has served as a natural
barrier in recent conflicts. To the south and east, the Kalmius River—a
tributary of the Siverskyi Donets—runs nearby, contributing to the
region's network of rivers and tributaries that cross the steppes.
Additionally, the area features man-made water bodies, including a large
quarry lake formed in the 1930s from quartz sand extraction. This
quarry, filled with clean groundwater, has white sandy bottoms and
shores, resembling a natural resort despite hazards from submerged
machinery. Smaller ponds, reservoirs, and floodplains from river valleys
are common in the vicinity, though the region's low precipitation and
intensive land use have led to some water scarcity issues. Groundwater
resources are present but have been impacted by industrial pollution and
erosion.
Soil and Vegetation
The soils in Avdiivka and the
surrounding Donetsk Oblast are predominantly chernozems—rich, black
earths high in humus content and renowned for their fertility. These
soils support intensive agriculture, particularly grain crops like wheat
and barley, which have historically been a key part of the local
economy. However, they are prone to erosion due to cultivation and wind
exposure on the open steppes. In southern parts of the oblast, chestnut
soils and salinized variants may appear, but chernozems dominate the
Avdiivka area.
Vegetation aligns with the steppe biome, consisting
primarily of grasslands with hardy grasses, herbs, and wildflowers
adapted to the continental climate. Mixed forests are more common in the
northern edges of the oblast, but around Avdiivka, the landscape is
largely treeless prairie, interrupted by agricultural fields and urban
development. Ravines and river valleys may host patches of shrubs or
riparian vegetation, providing some biodiversity. Human activity,
including farming and industrialization, has reduced natural vegetation
cover, though remnants of the original steppe ecosystem persist in less
disturbed areas.
Climate
Avdiivka experiences a humid
continental climate with a mild to cool summer subtype (Köppen
classification: Dfb), marked by distinct seasonal variations. Summers
are warm, with average July temperatures around 21–27°C (70–81°F), while
winters are cold, with January averages hovering near -5 to -1°C
(23–30°F). The warm season spans from late May to early September, with
daily highs often exceeding 21°C (70°F), and the cold season from
November to March, when lows can drop below -17°C (1°F) during extreme
events. Annual precipitation is moderate, ranging from about 400–520 mm
(16–20 inches), with the wettest period from May to October and drier
conditions in winter. Snow cover is common in winter, lasting 3–4
months, and the region is susceptible to thunderstorms in summer and
blizzards in winter. Overall annual average temperature is around 12°C
(54°F), slightly above the national average due to the eastern location.
Climate change has increased vulnerability to droughts and extreme
weather in this steppe zone.
Geological Features and Natural
Resources
Geologically, Avdiivka lies within the Donets Basin
(Donbas), a sedimentary region rich in coal deposits formed during the
Carboniferous period. This has led to extensive mining, creating
artificial features like subsidence areas and waste heaps that alter the
natural topography. Quartz sands, extracted historically, contributed to
the formation of the aforementioned quarry lake. Natural resources
include coal, natural gas, and the fertile arable land, which underpin
the region's industrial and agricultural significance. The underlying
geology features layers of sedimentary rocks, with occasional outcrops
in ridges, but the surface is mostly covered by loess and alluvial
deposits from ancient river systems. These features, combined with the
steppe environment, make Avdiivka's geography a blend of natural
productivity and human exploitation, though ongoing conflicts have led
to environmental degradation, including soil contamination and disrupted
ecosystems.
Early History and Founding (18th–19th Century)
Avdiivka, a city in
Donetsk Oblast, eastern Ukraine, was founded around 1770 by fugitive
serfs from the Kursk, Voronezh, and Poltava Governorates of the Russian
Empire. It was named after its first settler, Avdiy. By 1778, the
settlement became state property under orders from the Novorossiysk
governor. Early inhabitants primarily engaged in agriculture, focusing
on cereal farming. The population grew modestly: around 500 residents in
1798 and about 2,300 by 1861. The town developed along a postal route
connecting Mariupol and Bakhmut (now Artemivsk), which facilitated trade
and communication.
In the late 19th century, the construction of the
Catherine Railway marked a turning point. A new railway station was
established, spurring economic growth. The 1897 Russian Empire census
recorded 2,153 residents, predominantly Orthodox Christians, with 1,282
males and 871 females. Industrial activity began with a brick factory in
1900, which expanded to produce tiles by 1905. By 1908, the population
had reached 5,475 across 865 farm households, reflecting the shift
toward a more industrialized economy.
Soviet Era and World War II
(20th Century)
The early 20th century brought political upheaval. In
April 1920, during the Ukrainian War of Independence, the Revolutionary
Insurgent Army of Ukraine (associated with Nestor Makhno) attacked the
railway station, destroying infrastructure including telephone sets.
Later that year, in November, Makhno's forces under Fyodor Shuss
occupied Avdiivka briefly. From 1923 to 1931, it served as the
administrative center of Avdiivka Raion within Stalino Okruh (now
Donetsk). It regained district center status in 1938.
During World
War II, Avdiivka was occupied by Nazi German forces from October 21,
1941, to September 8, 1943. It was liberated by the Soviet Red Army's
40th and 127th Rifle Divisions. Post-war reconstruction elevated its
status: Avdiivka became a city in 1956. The most significant industrial
development was the Avdiivka Coke Plant, whose construction started in
October 1959 and became operational on November 30, 1963. This facility
grew into Ukraine's largest coke-chemical producer, employing thousands
and becoming central to the city's economy. Administratively, Avdiivka
was removed from its raion in 1963 to become a city of oblast
significance, briefly included in Yasynuvata Raion from 1965 to 1990,
before regaining independent status.
Interestingly, during World War
II, Avdiivka was also a site of activity for the Organization of
Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN-B), a revolutionary group operating in the
region, highlighting early undercurrents of Ukrainian nationalist
resistance against both Soviet and Nazi influences.
Post-Independence Ukraine (1991–2014)
Following Ukraine's
independence in 1991, Avdiivka's population peaked at around 37,200 by
2001. The 2001 census revealed a diverse demographic: 63.5% ethnic
Ukrainians, 33.7% Russians, 0.9% Belarusians, and 0.6% Greeks.
Linguistically, 87.2% spoke Russian as their native language, while
12.5% spoke Ukrainian. The economy revolved around the coke plant, which
also provided district heating via natural gas, alongside a metallic
structures factory, a quartz sand quarry, and smaller enterprises.
Infrastructure included a tramway linking the coke plant to the city
center (with three stops) and a railway station dividing the city into
the old town and the "Khimik" microdistrict. The tram ceased operations
due to later conflict damage.
Avdiivka exemplified the industrial
heart of the Donbas region, with its coke production supporting
Ukraine's steel industry. However, like much of Donetsk Oblast, it faced
economic challenges from deindustrialization and regional tensions
between Ukrainian and Russian-speaking populations.
The War in
Donbas (2014–2022)
The conflict in eastern Ukraine erupted in April
2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea and the rise of pro-Russian
separatist movements in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Pro-Russian
separatists, backed by Russian forces, captured Avdiivka early in the
conflict. Ukrainian forces retook the city by July 30, 2014,
establishing it as a frontline position near Donetsk, the
separatist-held capital. This made Avdiivka a frequent target of
shelling and a hotspot identified by the Organization for Security and
Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
In March 2016, Ukrainian troops
fortified the city's industrial zone, previously a buffer area,
disrupting separatist control over the Donetsk-Horlivka highway and
escalating clashes. The most intense fighting during this period was the
Battle of Avdiivka from January 29 to February 4, 2017. Separatist
shelling damaged the coke plant, leaving the city without electricity
and heating amid freezing temperatures. Civilian population fluctuated
dramatically: dropping to 5,000 at the height of violence but rebounding
to estimates of 20,000–34,000 by 2018. The battle highlighted Avdiivka's
strategic value as a supply route hub and fortified position.
The
Minsk agreements (2014–2015), aimed at ceasefires, were repeatedly
violated, with Russian-backed forces attacking areas like Debaltseve and
Avdiivka despite the accords. By this time, over 14,000 people had died
in the broader Donbas conflict since 2014.
Russian Invasion and
the Fall of Avdiivka (2022–2024)
Russia's full-scale invasion of
Ukraine on February 24, 2022, intensified attacks on Avdiivka. Russian
forces targeted the city with rockets, including strikes on the coke
plant, causing widespread destruction. Much of the civilian population
evacuated; by October 2023, only about 1,600 residents remained, many
living underground, down from 31,392 in January 2022. Donetsk Oblast
Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko described the city as "almost completely
destroyed" by February 2023.
Russian troops attempted to encircle
Avdiivka in March 2023 amid their focus on nearby Bakhmut. A major
offensive began on October 14, 2023, involving thousands of troops and
resulting in heavy Russian losses. Ukrainian defenses held for months,
but on February 17, 2024, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi
ordered a withdrawal to avoid encirclement, marking Russia's first
significant territorial gain since Bakhmut in May 2023. The battle was
one of the war's bloodiest, with estimates of tens of thousands of
casualties on both sides. Avdiivka's fall shifted the frontline
westward, impacting Ukrainian supply lines.
Prior to the invasion,
Avdiivka fell within the claimed territory of the self-proclaimed
Donetsk People's Republic, annexed by Russia in September 2022. During
Ukrainian control, it operated under a civil-military administration led
by Head Vitalii Barabash until the withdrawal.
Developments Since
the Fall (2024–2026)
Post-capture, Avdiivka remained a contested
ruin, with ongoing skirmishes. In November 2025, a Ukrainian drone unit
reportedly destroyed a Russian "Rubikon" unit in the occupied city,
demonstrating continued Ukrainian operations behind enemy lines. As of
early 2026, the city is under Russian control, with its population
reduced to around 941 by February 2024 and little reconstruction
reported amid the broader war. The conflict has displaced most
residents, and the coke plant—once a symbol of industrial might—lies in
ruins, underscoring Avdiivka's transformation from a thriving industrial
hub to a emblem of the Donbas war's devastation.
A large part of the women who were previously registered in Avdiivka
for infertility gave birth to children after the start of the war in the
east of Ukraine. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are a change
in the hormonal background due to stress, as well as a change in sexual
partner (in the event that the infertile person was actually a man, not
a woman).
Avdiivska porridge, the unique recipe of which has not been
lost over the years, is still prepared according to the culinary
traditions preserved by our great-grandmothers. During the decades of
spread of cooking technology, Avdiiv porridge ceased to be just food, it
became a talisman dish. It is part of the public property of the
intangible heritage of the Donetsk region.
Oleksandr Valentinovych Novak (* 1971) is the Minister of Energy of
the Russian Federation since May 21, 2012.
Andrii Volodymyrovych
Smetanin (1981—2017) is a senior sergeant of the Armed Forces of
Ukraine, a participant in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Oleksandr
Yevhenovich Tregub (1975-2017) is a senior police sergeant, a
participant in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Dmytro Oleksandrovych
Triteikin (1974—2017) is a Ukrainian rescuer, lieutenant colonel of the
Civil Defense Service.
Oleksiy Shaparev (1974- t.h.) is a Ukrainian
film director, screenwriter and actor. Director of the film "Cool 1918".
Oleksandr Oleksandrovich Filippov (1992) is a Ukrainian football player,
forward of Chernihiv "Desna".
Heroes of the Soviet Union
Volodymyr Ivanovich Glazunov (1925—1992) — Hero of the Soviet Union.
Went to the front in September 1943. Rifleman of the 105th Guards Rifle
Regiment of the 34th Guards Rifle Red Banner Yenakiiv Division.
Serhii Ivanovich Yelagin (1903, Orlivka village - 1949) is a junior
sergeant, commander of the rifle division of the 1376th rifle regiment
of the 417th separate division. Died of wounds, buried on Avdiivka
Street, in a mass grave.
Mykhailo Yukhimovych Nechaev (1916—1942) —
Guards captain, tanker, posthumous rank.
Fyodor Andriyovych Rudskyi
(1921-1992) — during the war, a captain, tank operator, major general of
tank troops (1966).
Lev Shestakov (1915-1944) - fighter pilot, Hero
of the Soviet Union.