Russia Strikes Village Named “New York” in Ukraine: Damage and Casualties Reported
Reports from Ukrainian state media indicate that Russia conducted an airstrike on a village called “New York” in Donetsk, Ukraine. The attack resulted in significant damage to several homes and a government building. Additionally, another strike in the vicinity caused casualties.
Ukrainian State Wires Service Criticized for Misleading Headline
The Ukrainian state wires service, Ukrinform, has come under scrutiny for a misleading headline stating, “Russians launch 31 artillery strikes on Vuhledar, drop bombs on New York,” referring to the airstrike on the village. However, it should be clarified that “New York” in this instance refers to the name of a village in Donetsk, not the well-known city in the United States.
Unveiling the Historical Background of “New York” Village
During the reign of Catherine the Great, German settlers established the village of New York, also known as Niu York or Нью-Йорк, in 1891. They named it in honor of the founder’s wife, who hailed from America and wished to honor her birthplace.
Derussification Efforts Lead to Restoration of Village’s Historical Name
Under the influence of the communist regime, the village lost its original name. However, as part of recent derussification endeavors, its historical title was officially reinstated last year. It is worth noting that various localities in the region, such as Donetsk and Luhansk, were established by European immigrants working on behalf of the Russian Empire, which governed the area at the time.
U.S. Embassy Commends Reinstatement of the Village’s Name
Following the successful vote to return to the village’s original name of “New York,” the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine expressed congratulations and support to the residents of New York, Donetsk Oblast. The embassy’s message conveyed encouragement for embracing their town’s historical name.
