Russia has ordered the evacuation of some families from areas near the Russian-controlled frontline in Zaporizhzhia, citing increased shelling by Kiev.
"Over the past few days, the enemy has intensified shelling of residential areas near the front line," Yevgeny Balitsky, the Russian-appointed head of the Zaporizhzhia region, wrote on social media today. "Therefore, I have made a decision to evacuate first of all children with their parents, the elderly, the disabled and patients in hospitals."
Russian armored vehicles outside the Zaporizhzhia plant last September. Photo: Reuters
The evacuations will take place in 18 locations, including the town of Energodar, home to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The plant has been controlled by Russia since the early days of the conflict and is now so close to the frontline that the international community fears it could be attacked.
Zaporizhzhia is one of four Ukrainian regions that Russia annexed last October. Russia controls more than 70% of Zaporizhzhia. Kiev has rejected Russia's annexation and vowed to reclaim the territory.
Ukraine has been preparing for a counter-offensive for months, and observers have speculated that sabotage attacks and long-range raids on Russian positions in recent days suggest the operation could be imminent.
Location of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and the city of Energodar. Graphics: BBC
Vu Hoang (According to AFP )
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