Battle for Bakhmut continues as Russia launches round-the-clock attacks

International

18-02-2023, 09:30

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INA- sources

Russia claims to be making ground near Bakhmut as round-the-clock attacks continue on the city and on other positions in eastern Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called Bakhmut "our fortress", but civilians in the neighbouring town of Chasiv Yar are leaving as the situation in the city becomes more dangerous.

Lubov is a Chasiv Yar resident. She is one of the many who have made the difficult decision to leave.
"Shelling is scary," she says, "we need to get away. I want to see my granddaughter who lives where we're going, in Lviv. We hope the Ukrainian army will fight for us and defeat the Russians. And then we'll definitely come back."

Since 2014, the charity 'Save Ukraine' has been evacuating the vulnerable from conflict areas in Ukraine. As of early February 2023, the organisation says it has taken over 83,000 people to safety.

Evacuees are first taken to Pokrosk then to an emergency assistance centre run by the organisation where they receive assistance in finding long-term accommodation to help start a new life somewhere safer.
President Zelenskyy described the situation in the direction of Bakhmut as the "hottest" at the moment, but insisted troops were standing firm.
Ukrainian officials have recently restricted access to the area for aid workers, sparking speculation Kyiv's forces could be getting ready to withdraw after a gruelling months-long battle.

Source: Euronews