Ukraine Urges Evacuation as Russian Forces Advance

Authorities in eastern Ukraine are urging residents of Pokrovsk and surrounding areas to evacuate immediately as Russian forces make significant advances. Yurii Tretiak, head of the military administration in nearby Myrnohrad, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Don’t wait. Leave.” With the frontline now less than three miles away, the local population is at increasing risk, prompting officials to take action to facilitate evacuations. Despite the warnings, many residents remain hesitant to leave, with some reportedly hiding their children from local authorities. Tretiak noted that the military administration is planning to conduct house visits to locate families who may be concealing their children, as the threat of daily attacks looms over the community. The situation is particularly dire as Pokrovsk serves as a critical logistical hub for Ukrainian military operations, connecting to Kostiantynivka for resupply and evacuation efforts. Ukrainian Armed Forces have declared Pokrovsk as the most intense front in the ongoing conflict, with President Zelensky highlighting the tense conditions in the Donetsk region. As the conflict escalates, the urgency for civilians to evacuate grows, with local officials working to ensure the safety of those still in the area. In a related development, Russian authorities reported that they successfully repelled a Ukrainian incursion attempt in the Bryansk border region, underscoring the ongoing volatility of the situation as both sides continue to engage in military operations.