Communities along Ukraine's eastern frontlines are increasingly turning into ghost towns, as the war with Russia drags on with no diplomatic end in sight.

Donetsk Oblast

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Ukrainian civilians in the Donetsk region are fleeing frontline cities as Russian military advances continue. President Volodymyr Zelensky maintains that Ukraine will not cede territory, emphasizing the country's constitutional duty to defend its land. 

While some residents remain in their homes out of hope, defiance, or necessity, many are relocating to safer areas such as Slovyansk, where volunteers provide essential aid. Displaced families express fatigue with political negotiations and long for an end to the conflict, as daily life is marked by air raid sirens and artillery strikes. The ongoing escalation has raised concerns among European leaders about the potential for broader conflict.

Ukrainians flee eastern frontlines amid Russian advance

Wherever Ukraine's president goes, his message remains resolute. His country will not cede land to Russia, despite scrutiny from critics and allies amid stalled peace efforts. Volodymyr Zelensky says to give up territory would reward invasion and invite more war. Ukraine, he says, is constitutionally obliged to hold on to its land. In the east, near the front line, some people are leaving, others believing their president are staying in their homes. Out of hope, defiance or necessity, even as danger moves closer. The general mood is that the war will end and everyone will go home. But the reality is that people are leaving front line cities, coming to us in Slovyansk, to a safer place. And they need assistance such as food and hygiene supplies. I feel in danger every day. It's scary. There are strikes every night. If it gets worse, we will relocate. Volunteers say they will provide meals and supplies for as long as they can. This town endured Russian occupation in 2014. Ask people if they think it could happen again. Their looks say more than words. Katerina and Nadia fled advancing Russian soldiers early in the war. They say they are tired of Russian and Ukrainian politicians. The thing is, they negotiate amongst themselves. They do not talk to us. We have our own opinion. Whatever happens, happens. As long as things stop flying every night, we sleep in the basement with our children. The rhythm of daily life, scored to the sounds of air raid sirens and artillery. Reminders that survival does not equal safety. In frontline towns and communities across the Donetsk region, you can find debris fields from Russian bombings. Here in Slovyansk, people say that they will not leave. But those that moved here during the war, who've already been displaced from areas that are now under Russian occupation, for them the priority is clear. They just want this war to end. Every damaged building, an unanswered question. When, if ever, will the war be over? Diplomacy deadlocked and Russia's offensive intensifying, European leaders' worrying escalation could draw them into open warfare. Here on the edge of Europe, Ukrainians say it is already a reality. Zayn Basravi, Oljazyry, Slovyansk, Donetsk region, Eastern Ukraine.

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Ukrainians flee eastern frontlines amid Russian advance

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Ukraine Invasion