**Trapped in the Crossfire: 23,000 Civilians Remain in Eastern Ukraine’s Combat Zones**
In a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, over 23,000 civilians, including 113 children, are still trapped in active combat zones across Donetsk Oblast. According to Dmytro Petlin, head of the Department of Civil Protection, Mobilization, and Defense Work of the local military administration, these civilians are caught in the middle of Russia’s summer offensive.
The majority of these children, a staggering 108, are located in the Lyman urban territorial community, while another five are in the Toretsk community. The Donetsk Oblast Military Administration has classified 18 communities as active combat zones, including Shakhovsk, Maryinka, Toretsk, and others. This is a stark reminder of the devastating human cost of war.
**Ukraine’s Defensive Posture and Russia’s Escalating Offensive**
As Ukraine continues to maintain a defensive posture in the east, Russia’s summer offensive shows no signs of slowing down. Military experts warn that Russia may escalate its operations during the 50-day period allocated by U.S. President Donald Trump for Moscow to reach a ceasefire settlement. In the coming weeks, Russia could realistically push closer to both Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in eastern Donetsk Oblast.
**Civilians Caught in the Crossfire**
The city of Pokrovsk remains one of the most heavily contested battlegrounds of Russia’s offensive in eastern Ukraine. Governor Oleh Filashkin reports that over 1,380 civilians still remain in the town as Russian forces continue their assault. This is a dire situation for the residents of Pokrovsk, who are caught in the midst of intense fighting.
**Evacuations Continue**
Despite these challenges, Ukrainian authorities have evacuated over 2,500 residents from their homes in Donetsk Oblast to safer areas outside the region in just one week alone. Since August 2022, a staggering 1.23 million civilians have been evacuated from government-controlled areas of Donetsk Oblast, including approximately 193,000 children and more than 46,000 people with disabilities.
**A Long and Difficult Road Ahead**
However, despite these efforts, around 265,000 civilians remain in Ukrainian-controlled parts of Donetsk Oblast. This is a sobering reminder that the conflict in eastern Ukraine is far from over. The situation on the ground remains dire, and it will likely take a sustained effort to evacuate all those still trapped.
**A Call for Action**
As the international community watches with bated breath, the situation in eastern Ukraine continues to deteriorate. It is imperative that we prioritize the safety and well-being of these civilians, who are paying the ultimate price for the ongoing conflict. The evacuation efforts must continue, and the world must come together to ensure that those affected by this war receive the support they so desperately need.
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