Urgent evacuation warning: Pokrovsk residents have just weeks to evacuate amid intensifying conflict
Residents of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub under Ukrainian control in Donetsk, are facing an urgent evacuation deadline as Russian forces advance on the city. Ukrainian officials warn civilians have only 1 to 2 weeks left to evacuate before the situation could become serious.
Pokrovsk remains one of the hottest fronts in Donetsk, experiencing unprecedented levels of fighting. According to local authorities, recent months have seen steady progress by Russian troops, with the front line now less than 10 kilometers from the outskirts of the city.
On August 19, Serhiy Dobriak, head of the Pokrovsk military administration, called on people to evacuate as quickly as possible. “Civilians only have a week or two – no more – to leave if Russian forces continue their current pace,” Dobriak claimed.
Pokrovsk authorities have the capacity to evacuate at least 1,000 people a day, but currently only 500 to 600 people leave each day. About 53,000 people, including nearly 4,000 children, remained in Pokrovsk and surrounding settlements despite mandatory evacuation orders for families with children.
A curfew in neighboring settlements such as Myrnohrad, Selydove and Novohrodivka has been tightened due to the escalating situation. With the conflict situation becoming increasingly challenging, additional curfews may be imposed in other areas.
On August 19, the Ukrainian General Staff reported 145 engagements in the past 24 hours, including 45 in Pokrovsk. Another 24 clashes occurred around Toretsk, about 47 km from Pokrovsk.
Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said via Telegram: “Intense fighting continues in the direction of Pokrovsk. Our defense forces are doing everything necessary to defend Toretsk.”
As the situation develops rapidly, people are encouraged to take immediate action to ensure their safety.
