The occupiers in Donetsk have turned the Shakhtar stadium into a large abandoned dump

The occupiers in Donetsk have turned the Shakhtar stadium into a large abandoned dump

Once the main sports arena of Donbas, the "Shakhtar" stadium in Donetsk is now in a state of complete ruin. New photographs show that the stands are covered with shrubs, and the central field is used for construction work.

Instead of a green lawn, there is dug-up land with materials brought from the nearby "Dynamo" complex. There are piles of debris and construction materials scattered everywhere.

The "Shakhtar" stadium, once a symbol of the sporting life of Donetsk, was put into operation in 1936 and underwent numerous reconstructions, is now in decline.

Over time, this facility, which once met international standards and hosted Champions League matches, has completely lost its functionality.

Its current state is a striking contrast to its past grandeur, when it could hold up to 31,718 spectators and was equipped with modern lighting and heating systems of that time.