Ukrainians in occupied Donetsk face penalties for trying to supply water to their homes
People in occupied Donetsk standing in line for drinking water (Photo: Telegram itsdonetsk)
The Russian administration in Donetsk conducted large-scale raids to search for illegal water connections and identified violators, according to the National Resistance Center (NRC).
NRC sources report that the raids were planned as a centralized operation aimed at maximum coverage of residential areas. Inspectors were given internal targets for the number of violations detected.
During the raids, inspectors recorded even temporary emergency hoses, backup connections, or pipes that residents used due to multi-day outages or a complete lack of water, the NRC reports.
The Center is convinced that the main reason for the repressive inspections is the Russian administration’s inability to restore infrastructure.
"With water hubs collapsing, a shortage of technical personnel, and no repairs underway, the occupiers shift responsibility onto the population, creating the illusion of “fighting violations.” Meanwhile, real conditions - dry taps, technical water delivered by tankers, queues at wells, and unsanitary environments - are deliberately ignored," the NRC emphasizes.
Analysts are confident that the occupiers are turning the water shortage into another tool for controlling the population.
How the Russians "solve” the water problem
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that the occupation authorities in Donetsk began an information campaign preparing the population to use mine water as an alternative to drinking water.
Russia is launching a campaign to legalize the use of mine water as a temporary solution, substituting the destroyed infrastructure with a toxic surrogate.
According to experts, mine waters in Donbas contain excessive mineralization, heavy metals, sulfates, petroleum products, radionuclides, and industrial chemicals -even Russian ecologists acknowledge that such water is only suitable for technical use.
There was also information that Moscow allocated tens of millions of rubles to restore water supply systems and provide water to occupied cities in Donbas. Instead of actual repairs, the Russian authorities organize aid marathons and distribute plastic buckets.
Experts believe these actions are an attempt to cover up large-scale embezzlement and report to Moscow on the completion of tasks.
