Mass Evacuation in Pokrovsk as Russian Forces Close In
Civilians flee Pokrovsk, a key Ukrainian supply hub, as Russian troops advance to within 13 km. The city, once considered relatively safe, now faces imminent danger, prompting urgent evacuations.
In Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine, a mass evacuation is underway as Russian forces approach within 13 kilometers of the city center. Once considered a relatively secure fallback location, this key supply hub is now under imminent threat.
Hundreds of civilians gathered at the train station, carrying only essential belongings. Police officers assisted children and volunteers helped the elderly board the evacuation train. The scene was emotionally charged, with both departing and remaining residents visibly distressed.
"I will come, Bunny, don't cry."
Ruslan, a deputy commander of the 68th brigade defending Pokrovsk, described the intensity of the fighting: "They are coming, and coming, and coming. This is just waves of meat. It's so nuts." He expressed concern about the lack of manpower and equipment to counter the Russian advance.
The evacuation comes as Ukraine solidifies control over a portion of Russia's Kursk region to the north, where Ukrainian troops launched a surprise attack earlier this month. Some civilians questioned the decision to move troops away from defensive positions in the east.
Pokrovsk, formerly known as Krasnoarmiisk until 2016, has been a crucial coal mining center since the late 19th century. With a pre-war population of around 60,000, the city has served as an important railway junction and base for Ukrainian military operations in the Donetsk region.
As of this week, over 45,000 people remained in Pokrovsk, including more than 3,000 children. The recent evacuation train carried 371 evacuees, including 62 children and numerous pets.
The city's atmosphere has changed dramatically. Civilians hurry through the streets, sirens wail, and artillery rumbles in the background. Despite the tense situation, some residents attempt to maintain normalcy. Vitaliy and Alina Iskuzhiny rushed to complete a wedding photo shoot before their planned departure next week.
Mykola, a baker from nearby Vuhledar, shared his experience of losing his home on August 15. "I grew up there, I lived there," he said, describing the sudden need to leave everything behind.
The conflict has taken a toll on families. Lidia, traveling with her mother and three children, left her husband behind to continue working in a coal mine. The separation of families is a common theme among evacuees.
Pokrovsk's strategic location, approximately 50 km from Donetsk city, has made it a target for advancing Russian forces. The city has been under Ukrainian government control throughout the conflict but has experienced periodic shelling and air raids since 2022.
As the situation evolves, the future of Pokrovsk and its residents remains uncertain. The ongoing evacuation efforts highlight the human cost of the conflict and the challenges faced by civilians caught in the crossfire.
