Ukraine: IED blast injures ten in Donetsk oblast June 9

Event

An improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the town of Avdiivka (Donetsk oblast) injured ten Ukrainian soldiers on Tuesday, June 9. The victims were patrolling when their vehicle struck the IED. Authorities stated that local security and rescue forces were dispatched shortly after the incident occurred.

Similar incidents are possible in Soum province in the near term.

Context

The hybrid conflict between government forces and Russian-backed separatist militias remains ongoing as of June 2020, and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions are likely to remain effective Russian protectorates for the foreseeable future. Clashes between Ukrainian state forces and separatists have been taking place on a regular basis despite several ceasefire agreements made since 2014.

Advice

Individuals in the area are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

Due to the ongoing conflict, many Western governments advise against travel to the far east of Ukraine, including the cities of Donetsk, Horlivka, Makiyivka, Mariupol, and Luhansk.