Ukraine mandates evacuations from certain areas of Donetsk Region

The escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia in the eastern Donetsk region has prompted Ukraine to order the evacuation of children and their guardians from several towns and villages. The fighting with Russian troops has intensified since Moscow launched a new ground offensive early last month, with President Volodymyr Zelensky stating that Russian firepower is now concentrated in Donetsk.

Governor Vadym Filashkin of the Donetsk region emphasized the importance of the decision to evacuate, citing the deteriorating security situation and increasing intensity of shelling in the region. The town of Lyman, briefly held by Russian forces before being recaptured, along with several other villages near the front line, are among those impacted by the evacuation order.

In the early stages of the invasion, Zelensky had urged all residents of the industrial Donetsk region to flee, but those orders were not enforced. Last month, Ukraine had to divert manpower to the northeastern Kharkiv region after Russian forces launched a new offensive there. Russian forces have made significant advances since capturing the hub of Avdiivka in February, putting pressure on the Ukrainian army, which is facing manpower and ammunition shortages.

Filashkin reported casualties from recent Russian attacks, including the death of a 59-year-old woman in Chasіv Yar and the injury of a retirement-age man. Two civilians were killed and more than a dozen others were wounded in attacks the day before. The evacuation efforts have already seen over 217 people, including 61 children, safely removed from the affected areas.

The situation in the Donetsk region remains tense as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia shows no signs of abating. The safety and well-being of civilians, especially children, are a top priority as efforts to evacuate them from the conflict zone continue.