From 6 April , as part of the rising unrest in Ukraine in the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution , insurgents affiliated with the Donetsk People 's Republic ( DPR ) captured towns and cities across Donetsk Oblast , including Shakhtarsk Raion . The raion is in a crucial position between the Donetsk and Lugansk People 's Republics , and Russia . Government forces launched an offensive against insurgent forces in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine on 7 April , resulting in the War in Donbass . War reached Shakhtarsk Raion on 16 July , after insurgents retreated from most of northern Donetsk Oblast . Fighting took place across the raion , in an attempt by the government to cut-off insurgent supply lines , and to reach the crash site of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17
Malaysia Airlines Flight 17
Malaysia Airlines Flight 17
Battle in Shakhtarsk Raion