BREAKING: Ukraine’s military is in a state of emergency as Russian forces make rapid advances in the Zaporizhzhia region, prompting a desperate evacuation of civilians. Just hours ago, Ukrainian General Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed that the security situation has deteriorated significantly near the village of Huliaipole, located less than 10 kilometers from intense combat zones.
In a dramatic turn of events, Ukrainian troops have retreated from at least six villages in the area over the past 48 hours. As the front line shifts, rescuers are racing against time to evacuate remaining residents, including vulnerable individuals like 84-year-old Polina Plyushchii, who expressed her fears, saying, “You’re in your own house, your own yard – and you can’t go out.”
The situation is grave as swarming drones complicate evacuation efforts, making it perilous for rescue teams to navigate the dangerous landscape. Ukrainian forces face a critical shortage of manpower, with reports indicating they lack sufficient troops to hold defensive positions amid relentless assaults from Russian units.
Approximately 100 kilometers northeast, Russian troops are closing in on the strategic city of Pokrovsk, which could mark their most significant territorial gain since early 2024. Ukrainian commanders report that despite heavy drone surveillance, Russian forces are employing small, mobile units to exploit weaknesses in Ukrainian defenses.
Residents of Huliaipole, witnessing the aftermath of nearly four years of conflict, face dire conditions. “There’s nowhere to buy medicine, there’s no water,” lamented 55-year-old Zhanna Puzanova, who, along with her 88-year-old mother, struggles to survive in the war-torn environment. The human toll is evident as the community grapples with loss and uncertainty.
Amid chaos, hope persists. 78-year-old Kateryna Ishchenko stated, “We’ll survive, we’ll last,” reflecting the resilience of those remaining in Huliaipole. As evacuations continue, the Ukrainian military urges civilians to leave while they still can.
As the situation unfolds, military analysts recommend closely monitoring developments in both Huliaipole and Pokrovsk. The urgency for evacuation is paramount, with officials warning that the conflict is escalating. The humanitarian crisis deepens, and time is running out for those still trapped in danger zones.
Stay tuned for real-time updates on this evolving situation as Ukraine battles to protect its citizens and territory against advancing Russian forces.