In the lower black part (resembling the Donets Coal Basin[5]) there are five gold ovals one under another (the reflection of the sun on the surface).

Climbers from the Donetsk Oblast have set the flag at Shishapangma peak (on 27 May 2007), Hoverla (on 9 January 2007), Mont Blanc (on 22 March 2007), Elbrus (on 25 May 2007) and Everest (on 27 May 2008).

As the author recalls, one of the conditions of the competition was to maintain a visual resemblance to the already existing symbols of Donetsk.

Szczerbak, however, stated that it was criticized due to its resemblance to the Russian Air Force flag and added that both interpretations were incorrect because the only inspiration was the nature of the region.

[9] The flag was used by pro-Russian protesters in 2014, but since the DPR's declaration of independence, its use in separatist-controlled territory has ceased.