City evacuated as Russian forces hit back in Donbas

UKRAINIAN authorities yesterday ordered the full evacuation of a key city in the Donbas region as Russian forces made rapid gains.

- Mark Reynolds

While Kyiv's counter-offensive into mainland Russia continued, Vladimir Putin's forces have been making progress towards Pokrovsk, strategic eastern logistics hub.

As a result, Ukraine ordered the civilian evacuation of the city to save lives ahead of the onslaught.

Residents were warned they have no more than two weeks to evacuate, while those in nearby Myrnohrad were given days to get out.

The Pokrovsk front has the most intense fighting in eastern Ukraine with a record number of clashes reported last week. Moscow forces have been inching forward in the Pokrovsk area in recent months.