Uspenka

Uspenka (Успенка) is a rural settlement in Lutuhyne urban hromada, Luhansk Raion, Luhansk Oblast (region), Ukraine. It is located in the eastern part of the greater Donbas region. Population:

History
The village was founded as Olkhova (Ольхова) in 1755 by fugitive serfs. The name "Uspenka" became established in 1764. The town has a long history of coal mining, with the first mine established in 1802.

A library was opened in Uspenka in 1914. Beginning in 1923, Uspenka served as the administrative center of Uspenka Raion within Luhansk Oblast. This status spurred on rapid economic growth. In 1938, it received the status of an urban-type settlement.

During World War II, Uspenka was captured by forces of Nazi Germany on July 17, 1942. The Nazis committed numerous massacres and abuses against the people during the occupation. After heavy fighting, the Red Army liberated Uspenka on February 18, 1943.

In 1959, Uspenka Raion was abolished and Uspenka became part of Oleksandrivsk Raion. From 1963 to 1965, it then was made part of Artemivsky District of the city Luhansk, before being transferred to Lutuhyne Raion in 1965.

The population of the village has greatly declined with the mining and coke industries: in 1966, there were 18,800 residents; in 2001, only 9676. There is still a coke works in the village that employs some residents, but many commute to Lutuhyne for work. Since 2014, Uspenka has been controlled by forces of the Luhansk People's Republic.