Ukraine Orders Kramatorsk Evacuations Amidst Escalating Russian Offensive
Kramatorsk, Ukraine – Ukrainian authorities have ordered the mandatory evacuation of families with children from parts of kramatorsk, a key city in eastern ukraine, as Russian forces intensify their attacks. The move comes as Russia reportedly launched a massive wave of strikes across Ukraine over the past week, including over 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, and approximately 1,360 glide bombs, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Kramatorsk, a vital logistics hub for the Ukrainian army in the Donetsk region, has seen its population dwindle from 150,000 before the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022 to roughly one-third of that number. The city briefly fell under the control of pro-Russian separatists in 2014 before being reclaimed by Ukrainian forces.
Currently,Russia controls an estimated 80% of the Donetsk region and is focusing efforts on capturing Kramatorsk,considered a crucial defensive position protecting access to the open plains. In recent months, Russian forces have targeted nearby towns like Druzhkivka and Kostiantynivka with relentless drone strikes, aiming to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines.
Military analysts anticipate a further escalation in fighting as winter approaches, with colder temperatures expected to reduce the effectiveness of drone batteries and shorten the range of Russian FPV explosive drones.The evacuation order has shocked residents,despite the proximity of the front line,which is approximately 20 kilometers away,and underscores the growing threat to civilian populations in the region.
