Brianka () is a city in Luhansk Oblast, Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. It is located in the Donbas region, between the cities of Kadiivka and Alchevsk. Brianka is incorporated as a city of oblast significance. Population:
Since 2014, Brianka has been under the control of the Russian-backed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR/LNR). In 2022, Russia declared its annexation of the region.
History
The settlement traces its history to small settlements of Zaporizhian Cossacks, zymivnyki, that appeared in place of future Brianka in 1696.
The settlement developed further into a miners' settlement around the local Brianka Quarry since the end of 19th century. After the World War II, in 1944–1962 it was a suburb of neighboring city of Kadiivka. Brianka became a city in its own right in 1962. A local newspaper has been published in the city since April 1965.
During the Russian invasion of Ukraine reports have emerged about Russian soldiers who refused to continue fighting being held captive in the city.
Demographics
Population
As of 2021, the population is 44,987 people.
Ethnicity
As of the Ukrainian Census of 2001: Ukrainians: 54.9% Russians: 42.7% Belarusians: 0.8%
Language
As of the Ukrainian Census of 2001: Russian: 87.01% Ukrainian: 12.65% Belarusian: 0.09%