On the streets of temporarily occupied Bakhmut, the Russian army has begun displaying propaganda posters on billboards. Several large posters are noticeable throughout the city as the occupiers “decorate Bakhmut for Victory Day,” celebrated by Russians on May 9th.
Read more in the article by Bakhmut IN.UA.
Bakhmut, 2025
Russian propagandists claim that in anticipation of the “great holiday of May 9th, Victory Day,” there is a special excitement and hope in “liberated” Bakhmut. They describe the city as slowly but surely rising under the protection of the Russian armed forces. According to them, streets that recently echoed with explosions now frequently display Russian tricolors, symbolizing a new life under the “reliable protection of Russian soldiers.”
The propagandists assert that for them, “May 9th in Bakhmut acquires a special, sacred significance, becoming a symbol of the unity of soldiers and civilians, their shared faith in a bright future.” They emphasize that“Bakhmut has not been abandoned to the “Nazis” the city is being reborn, ready to build a new life under a peaceful sky, cleansed of the filth of fascism.”
Bakhmut under occupation
The Russian narrative of the city’s “revival” lacks concrete actions. Currently, no demining or clearing operations are being conducted—essential steps for genuine recovery. Instead, the occupiers focus on propaganda efforts, such as painting Russian tricolors on poles and altering road signs from Ukrainian to Russian near the city.
It’s important to note that the Russian occupation forces have devastated Bakhmut using a scorched-earth strategy, as reported by Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Russian army has killed 204 residents of Bakhmut, including four children, and over 500 have been injured, according to Bakhmut’s mayor, Oleksiy Reva, in a conversation with Ukrinform.
As of March 28, 2023, Russian shelling has damaged 497 apartment buildings (73.7%) and 4,325 private houses (27.5%) in Bakhmut.
What Bakhmut looked like before the russian invasion
Before the full-scale invasion, Bakhmut was home to over 70,000 people and was developing steadily. One of the largest sparkling wine producers in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, “Artwinery”, was operating in the city.
What Bakhmut Looks Like in 2025
Today, Bakhmut lies in ruins. The Russians occupied the city in the spring of 2023. The occupiers called it a “liberation,” but the city now resembles complete devastation.
This is what the new reality looks like for Bakhmut. The Russians wiped the city off the map.
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