DONETSK REGION, Ukraine. Russian forces continue to tighten their grip on eastern Ukraine as heavy attacks push more civilians to flee the Donetsk region, which President Vladimir Putin has reportedly demanded full control of in exchange for a potential freeze in the war.
Russia already controls about 70 percent of Donetsk and nearly all of neighboring Luhansk, advancing slowly but steadily despite fierce Ukrainian resistance. The town of Dobropillia, just eight kilometers from Russian positions, has become a focal point for evacuations as humanitarian groups race to rescue the sick, elderly, and children.
Residents describe a town under constant bombardment, with shattered buildings, scarce water, and the ever-present threat of drone strikes. Many have decided to leave after recent breaches by Russian troops triggered fears that Ukraine’s heavily fortified defensive lines could collapse.
Local volunteers and aid workers have been making repeated trips under fire to evacuate civilians. Some residents, injured by drone debris and explosions, are among those rescued, while others remain behind, unwilling or unable to leave.
Nearby Pokrovsk, a key city for Donetsk’s defense, is now partially encircled. Fighting there has been described as some of the most brutal since the war began, with mounting casualties on both sides. Ukrainian field hospitals are overwhelmed with wounded soldiers suffering from bullet wounds, shrapnel injuries, and devastating drone strikes.
Despite the growing toll, many Ukrainians say they will not accept the surrender of Donbas. Some argue for negotiations, while others insist that conceding territory would only embolden Moscow. President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed speculation that Donetsk could fall this year, but acknowledged that Ukraine’s ability to reclaim land depends heavily on continued Western support.
With more than 100,000 Russian troops reportedly positioned to exploit weaknesses along the front, Ukraine faces mounting pressure. For now, the fight for Donetsk continues, with civilians paying the highest price in a war showing no sign of ending soon.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
