Heavy fighting has intensified in eastern Ukraine, from which thousands are now trying to escape. Russian troops are trying to take full control of the city of Mariupol. We found out what is currently known about the fighting in eastern Ukraine.
7.4. 12:14 • Updated 7.4. 16:36
Six weeks have passed since Russia launched an offensive war in Ukraine. The fighting continues to be fierce and is now concentrated in the eastern part of the country, in Mariupol, Donbass and Luhansk.
According to military experts, Russia is preparing a major attack in the East. According to estimates by the President Vladimir Putin would like to achieve some significant military victory before the Victory Day parade on May 9th.
Russian forces have withdrawn virtually entirely from the Kiev area and northeastern Ukraine, U.S. intelligence said on Wednesday.
Experts expect the major attack to begin as soon as possible. However, it is estimated that it may take at least a week for troops to be transferred from the north to be in combat condition in Donbass.
Russia wants Mariupol under control
Russian troops aspire to take full control of the city of Mariupol. Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Iryna Vereshchukin it is feared that as the Russian invasion intensifies, it will be impossible to evacuate civilians from the area.
The besieged Mariupol is still believed to have well over 100,000 civilians who have not been evacuated. Mariupol civilians have been reported to be in short supply for everything, and Ukrainians say they have died of hunger and thirst.
Ukraine hopes to evacuate civilians through ten humanitarian corridors today, Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Vereshchuk told Reuters.
However, those leaving the siege of Mariupol would have to use their own vehicles.
According to an update by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russian troops are using the railways to move military cargo quickly. Weapons and other equipment arrived at Kupyansk railway station in northeastern Ukraine from Valuyk station in Belgorod, Russia.
The railways are also the most efficient means of transport for Ukrainian troops and heavy weapons, as well as the fastest route for civilians fleeing.
Escape from Luhansk region “while it is safe”
A month after the start of the war, Russia has claimed to have received (move to another service) 93 percent of the Luhansk region and 54 percent of Donetsk. Putin is still a long way from taking over the entire region, and even if he declares victory over the territory, it is very wide to control.
Speaking of Donbass, President Putin is referring to Ukraine’s old coal and steel production area.
Putin has repeatedly justified the attack on the Donbass region on the grounds that Ukraine had committed genocide in the East.
Authorities in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine said on Wednesday they were trying to evacuate civilians through five humanitarian corridors.
Authorities also urged residents to leave “while it is still safe” on Wednesday.
According to the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian forces are regrouping and preparing for a new attack in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, which also includes Luhansk.
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