Urgent Evacuation Order in Pokrovsk

As the conflict in eastern Ukraine escalates, residents of Pokrovsk are preparing for potential evacuation due to increasing bombardments from Russian forces. Midwife Svitlana Pidshenko, who has worked at the local maternity hospital for over three decades, noted a significant rise in attacks, with bombings now occurring weekly compared to once or twice a month six months ago. The hospital staff is bracing for departure as the sounds of battle draw closer, with nearby towns like Pavlohrad being considered as relocation sites. Despite the looming threat, many residents in Pokrovsk, which still has a population of around 53,000, appeared reluctant to leave. On a recent Sunday, the city maintained a semblance of normalcy, with shops open and flowerbeds tended, even as distant artillery fire echoed in the background. The maternity hospital continues to operate, reflecting the resilience of the community, as people continue to have children amid the ongoing war. On Monday, civilians, including families with young children, began fleeing Pokrovsk, carrying heavy suitcases and seeking safety from the advancing Russian army. Eyewitnesses described scenes of distress, with some individuals weeping as they prepared to leave their homes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of creating a buffer zone to protect against further attacks, highlighting recent military successes in the Kursk region. As Russian forces reportedly advance at a rate of two square kilometers per day, the situation remains dire for those in Pokrovsk, with officials warning that the city is now just 10 kilometers from the front lines.