Kurakhove (Ukrainian: Кура́хове, pronounced [kʊˈrɑxowe]; Russian: Курахово, romanized: Kurakhovo) is a city in Pokrovsk Raion of Donetsk Oblast (province) of Ukraine. Population: 18,220 (2022 estimate)[2]; 21,479 (2001). Kurakhove is home to the Kurakhove Power Station.
Kurakhove
Курахове | |
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| |
Kurakhove Kurakhove | |
Coordinates: 47°59′N 37°16′E / 47.983°N 37.267°E | |
Country | Ukraine |
Oblast | Donetsk Oblast |
Raion | Pokrovsk Raion |
Hromada | Kurakhove urban hromada |
Government | |
• Military administration head | Roman Padun[1] |
Population (2022) | |
• Total | 18,220 |
The unrecognized 11 May 2014 Donetsk Oblast independence referendum was held in Kurakhove, but the city did not become part of the territory controlled by the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (who held the referendum).[3] Since then the city is 10.0 kilometres (6.2 mi) west of the frontlines of the Russo-Ukrainian War.[3][4][5]
As of the 2001 Ukrainian census, the town had a population of 21,516, which decreased to 18,220 in 2022. The majority of the population identifies as ethnic Ukrainian, but is vastly Russian-speaking.[6][7]
Ukrainian Kurakhove City Military Administration Head Roman Padun stated that Russian forces conducted strikes on Kurakhove (west of Donetsk City) with S-300 missiles and Uragan MLRS rockets on December 31.
Russian sources claimed that the Russian capture of Marinka will allow Russian troops the ability to bypass Vuhledar to the southwest and advance northwest towards Kurakhove, which reportedly is a major Ukrainian transportation hub and rail line.