Head of Luhansk Region calls on residents to evacuate

Iryna Balachuk – Sunday, 1 May 2022, 09:23

Head of Luhansk Military Administration is urging the region’s residents to evacuate while it is still possible. On Sunday, 1 May evacuation will take place from Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Rubizhne, and Hirske municipal territorial community [hromada] in Luhansk Region.

Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Regional Military Administration, on Telegram

According to Haidai: "Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Rubizhne, and Hirske municipal territorial community [hromada], please make sure to evacuate while the situation is not as dire as in Popasna.

The buses are already on their way. Assembly points in Lysychansk, Sievierodonetsk, Rubizhne, and Hirske remain unchanged."

Details: Haidai recalled that the government has been forced to stop evacuating people from Popasna after losing communication with 2 evacuation buses on 29 April. According to the Head of the Military Administration, the situation in Popasna is currently very dangerous.

"Popasna residents had many opportunities to leave before: several evacuation trains departed from the railway station, then they left from Komyshuvakha. For a long time our buses could reach the centre of the city. Now it’s much more difficult. So don’t wait till the very last moment. While you still have an opportunity, get as far away as you can from this 'Russian Peace' [ironic reference to the idea of 'Russian World’ or ‘Russkiy Mir' which is used to justify a 'protective' role towards Russian-speaking minorities especially in former Soviet Union states - mir can mean world or peace - ed.] which has no mercy on women or children. Save your skins," Haidai concluded.

Background: Russian occupiers are trying to capture the village of Orikhove in Luhansk Region; fierce battles are being fought for each street. Russian troops shelled residential neighbourhoods in cities and villages of Luhansk Region a total of 19 times on Saturday, 30 April.