Ukraine Initiates Forced Evacuation in Dnipropetrovsk as Russian Forces Advance

On Tuesday, Ukraine mandated the evacuation of seven villages in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, which had previously been distant from the combat zones but now faces danger as Russian troops advance.

Russia has been attempting to penetrate this region from the adjacent Donetsk area but has yet to make any progress, even after more than three years of protracted fighting.

The local military administration declared «the mandatory evacuation of frontline areas within the Synelnykove district.»

«This includes three villages in the Novopavlivka community and an additional four in the Mezhivska community,» the statement continued.

Novopavlivka, situated approximately 10 kilometers (six miles) from the front lines, had a population of 3,500 prior to the conflict, but now only around 100 residents remain, including two children, according to officials.

«Mykola Lukashuk, the head of the local military administration, stated on Telegram that there are currently no Russian occupation forces present in the Dnipropetrovsk region, emphasizing that the Ukrainian military is defending the area.»

On Sunday, regional Governor Serhiy Lysak reported that a Russian drone strike had resulted in one fatality in Novopavlivka.

Last Friday, authorities ordered the evacuation of families with children from villages situated to the east of Mezhivska, which are also less than 10 kilometers from the active front lines.

Ukraine frequently announces compulsory evacuations for civilians living near the front lines.

Recently, Russia has intensified its aerial bombardment on Ukraine as it makes progress along the front and as the United States seeks to negotiate a ceasefire between the warring parties.