Russians fire at evacuation bus with Grad multiple rocket launchers in Luhansk Oblast

Tuesday, 17 May 2022, 17:50

DENYS KARLOVSKYI — TUESDAY, 17 MAY 2022, 17:50

An evacuation bus with 36 people on board came under fire from Russian invaders in Luhansk Oblast.

Source: telegram channel of Serhii Haidai, head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration

Quote from Haidai: "On 17 May, 36 residents of Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk were evacuated, including six children.

The bus came under fire because the main road is still being shelled by the Russians. They opened fire with Grad multiple rocket launchers. Fortunately, everyone is safe. They're already in a safe place."

Details: Buses have come under fire near Volodymyrivka and an oil refinery near Lysychansk.

8 residents of Vrubivka and 32 residents of the amalgamated territorial community of Hirsk were also rescued on 17 May. A total of 73 residents of Luhansk Oblast left during the 24 hours of 17 May.

Haidai said that the number of people who want to evacuate from frontline cities has increased in recent days due to a significant worsening of the situation. According to Haidai, dozens of people are ready to leave every day.

But evacuation has to be carried out in dangerous conditions, because the main road is being shelled by the Russian invaders’ artillery.

Background:

  • On 16 May at least 10 people were killed by Russian shelling in Sievierodonetsk. Russian troops rained down artillery fire on settlements in Luhansk Oblast.
  • On the morning of 17 May, Haidai reported that the Ukrainian defenders had driven the invaders out of Zolote and Syrotyne.
  • According to the military administration, the Ukrainian authorities now control 10% of the territory of Luhansk Oblast.