**Car Explodes in Russian-Occupied Donetsk, Injuring Two**
A car exploded in the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk on December 9. The blast seriously injured two people inside the vehicle.
Russian media reported that the driver was identified as Serhii Yevsiukov, a former head of Russia’s notorious Olenivka prisoner of war camp. However, this claim has not been independently verified and there is no official confirmation from Ukraine or Russian authorities.
Yevsiukov was wanted by Ukraine on charges of murder, torture, and war crimes. He was one of the key figures in an investigation into the abuse of Ukrainian captives at the Olenivka prison.
**Investigation Launched**
Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched a criminal investigation into the explosion. The agency said it would look into all possible causes of the blast.
The explosion occurred on the side of the driver, according to Russian state news agency TASS. A Toyota SUV was involved in the incident, and two people were injured.
**Background on Olenivka Prison**
The Olenivka prison was the site of a massive explosion in June 2022 that killed over 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war. More than 150 others were injured. Ukraine accused Russia of deliberately targeting the prison as a war crime.
Yevsiukov and his deputy, Dmytro Neiolov, were charged by Ukrainian prosecutors in July for violating laws of war related to their roles at the Olenivka prison.
**Russia’s War in Ukraine**
Russia has spent at least $200 billion on its war with Ukraine since 2022. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said this figure is based on Russian spending, not including other costs associated with the invasion.
Ukraine has suffered significant losses, but has also inflicted damage on Russian forces. The conflict continues to escalate.
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