Bakhmut
mixed media on wood panel
48” x 72” x 2”
2023-24

The Battle of Bakhmut, a significant episode in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, primarily unfolded in and around the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk Oblast. Starting in early 2022, amidst the broader Russian invasion of Ukraine, Bakhmut became a focal point due to its strategic location and infrastructure. Initial skirmishes and artillery exchanges in early 2022 escalated into a full-scale battle by late 2022 and early 2023, as Russian forces, including regular army units and Wagner Group mercenaries, launched intensified assaults on the city. Ukrainian forces fortified Bakhmut, leading to protracted and bloody urban warfare. The city endured heavy shelling, resulting in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, while ground assaults involved intense street fighting. Despite being outnumbered and facing severe supply shortages, Ukrainian defenders managed to hold key parts of the city for an extended period. By mid-2023, the battle had largely reached a stalemate, with neither side achieving a decisive victory. Casualty estimates vary, but reports suggest that both sides suffered tens of thousands of military casualties, with civilian casualties also in the thousands due to the heavy fighting and shelling. The prolonged conflict in Bakhmut not only drained resources and morale from both sides but also led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with many civilians trapped without access to necessities. The battle had a profound impact on the city's civilian population, with many displaced, injured, or killed.