Ukrainian authorities have escalated evacuation efforts in eastern regions, particularly from the town of Druzhkivka, in response to significant advancements by Russian forces. Vadym Filashkin, head of the Donetsk regional military administration, announced the mandatory evacuation of families with children from Druzhkivka, citing the urgency of the situation. In addition, he revealed that evacuations are extended to four nearby villages, highlighting that 1,879 children remain within those settlements.
On the ground, Russian forces have reported the capture of the village of Iskra and the town of Shcherbynivka in the Donetsk region, territories that Russia has claimed to annex since September 2022. The recent operations have seen Russian troops moving up to 10 kilometers (approximately six miles) forward near the towns of Dobropillia and Druzhkivka, marking their most significant territorial gain within a single day in over a year, as noted by analysis from the US-based Institute for the Study of War.
In a parallel move, Ukraine previously ordered evacuations from Bilozerske, another locality situated close to the areas of Russian advancement, demonstrating a strategic and protective response to the changing dynamics of the conflict.
The situation unfolds as Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are set to meet in Alaska for a summit on Friday. This meeting is expected to address various issues, including the ongoing Ukraine crisis, necessitating heightened diplomatic efforts amid rising tensions on the battlefield.
