Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Donetsk is a peculiar case of a coal troll working hard to become Ukraine's Prince
Charming. Although industrial and Soviet to its core - mines and slag heaps in full view
- it has a pleasant southern feel thanks to nicely redeveloped pedestrian promenades,
parks and the city's trademark rose beds. The capital of the Donbass coal-mining region,
Donetsk is associated with money, power and football. President Viktor Yanukovych and
Ukraine's richest man, Rinat Akhmetov, both hail from here. The latter owns the local
football club - naturally, the best in Ukraine. Donetsk was founded in 1869 by Welshman
John Hughes and originally named 'Yuzovka' after him - hence the local obsession with
all things British, reflected in the names of restaurants and hotels.
