The town was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II from November 1941 until 8 September 1943.[9] Prior to its liberation, 1,012 of the area's inhabitants fought to recapture Hrodivka, of whom 204 died.[5][9] During the winter of 1943–1944, it was the site of minor tank engagements between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.[3]
21st century
Russian invasion of Ukraine
During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia has increasingly threatened Hrodivka as their forces advance towards the city of Pokrovsk, the main attack direction in the Donbastheatre of the war.[10][11][12] The settlement is under constant shelling, causing the death of a civilian and damage to infrastructure,[13] and these attacks have increased as Russia draws closer to the settlement.[14]
In early August 2024, the Donetsk Oblast Military Administration ordered an evacuation of families and children in Hrodivka as well as other settlements in the region in the threat of impeding Russian advances.[15] Immediately prior to the evacuation order, an estimated 70 people were still remaining in the town.[14]
On 9 August, Russian forces advanced up to the town's outskirts.[16]
On 13 August, Russian forces entered the town, and following then continued to advance through the south-eastern portion of it.[17][18]
By 17 September, Russian forces captured most of the town, with the exception of the northwestern outskirts.[19] Russia claimed full control over the town on 7 October.[20] The town's capture was confirmed on 21 October.[21]
^Barros, George; Mappes, Grace; Harward, Christina; Hird, Karolina; Zehrung, Haley; Evans, Angelica (17 September 2024). "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 17, 2024". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
^Hird, Karolina; Stepanenko, Kateryna; Gasparyan, Davit; Harward, Christina; Kagan, Frederick W. (7 October 2024). "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 7, 2024". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
^Wolkov, Nicole; Gasparyan, Davit; Evans, Angelica; Harward, Christina; Kagan, Frederick W.; Trotter, Nate (21 October 2024). "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 21, 2024". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
