The evacuation order comes as Russia makes gains in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, claiming control of the town of Zalizne.
Ukrainian authorities have issued an urgent evacuation order for families with children from the eastern city of Pokrovsk due to the rapid advance of Russian forces, despite a recent Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.
Local officials announced that the evacuation of Pokrovsk and surrounding towns and villages will begin on Tuesday, as Russian troops advance swiftly. With around 53,000 residents remaining in Pokrovsk, many have already fled amid the ongoing offensive. Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin described the evacuation as “necessary and inevitable.”
Pokrovsk is a crucial defensive stronghold and logistics hub in the Donetsk region. Its capture by Russia, which began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, would significantly impact Ukraine’s defense capabilities and supply routes, bringing Russia closer to its goal of seizing the entire Donetsk region.
In an effort to alleviate pressure on the eastern front, Ukraine carried out an unexpected incursion into Russia’s Kursk region on August 6, aiming to disrupt Russian military operations and force the Kremlin to divide its resources. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that the incursion was intended to create a buffer zone to mitigate further attacks by Moscow, particularly those involving long-range artillery and missiles. The operation continued under tight secrecy on Monday.
The ongoing Russian offensive in the Donetsk region has heavily strained Ukrainian forces, leading to a gradual retreat from positions devastated by Russian artillery and bombings. Russia aims to control all of Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk, which together form the Donbas region.
Residents of Pokrovsk have been given a two-week window to leave safely. Officials warned last week that Russian forces were advancing rapidly and were only 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city’s edge.
In addition to Pokrovsk, heavy fighting continues in the region. Ukrainian military commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskii reported intense battles in the area, with the nearby town of Toretsk also under significant pressure. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the capture of the town of Zalizne in Donetsk, which adjoins Toretsk. Zalizne, referred to by its Soviet-era name Artyomovo, is strategically significant for Russia’s advances.
The Institute for the Study of War noted that Russian forces have been making gradual progress in the Pokrovsk region, advancing approximately two square kilometers (0.8 square miles) per day through a series of frontal infantry assaults.
Pokrovsk officials are working with residents to provide logistical support for the evacuation. Those who leave will be offered shelter in western Ukraine, where accommodations in dormitories and separate houses have been arranged.
