Evacuate Now Or Risk Death’: Ukraine Tells Residents As Russia Prepares Assault
Authorities in Ukraine’s eastern Luhansk region called on Wednesday for civilians to leave the area “while it is safe”, warning that Russian bombardment could cut off escape routes.
Ukraine has said that the Russian troops that invaded on February 24 are regrouping and preparing a new offensive in the Donbas area, which includes this region that is controlled in part by the pro-Russian authorities of the self-proclaimed people’s republic.
Deputy Prime Minister Irina Vereshchuk has announced that Ukraine intended to open 11 humanitarian corridors on Wednesday to evacuate civilians. “We will get everyone out if the Russians allow us to get to the meeting places (for evacuation). Because, as you can see, they do not always respect the ceasefire,” said the Governor of the Lugansk region, Serhi Gaidai, through a message posted on Telegram.
“I appeal to all residents of the Lugansk region: evacuate while it is safe… As long as there are buses and trains, take advantage of this opportunity,” warned the head of that region, in statements collected by Reuters
