The leader of the second self-proclaimed republic in eastern Ukraine has announced that the evacuation of civilians to Russia is being organized. The announcement follows a similar move by the pro-Russian government in Donetsk.
Leonid Pasechnik, the highest-ranking official of the Luhansk People’s Republic, said in a statement that he had “due to the escalation of tensions on the lines of communication, and instructed the heads of the territories of the Republic of This peace ensures the organized evacuation of people. .. and help people in delivering goods to border checkpoints. “
Pasechnik said “The Russian Federation is ready to provide reception and organized accommodation on its territory to residents of the Luhansk People’s Republic.”
“Once again, I appeal to all men who can take up arms to defend their land,” Pasechnik added.
He accused Ukrainian forces of violating the ceasefire 29 times in the past day and listed 13 towns he said had been shelled.
Earlier today, CNN reported that the leader of the separatist Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, Denis Pushilin, had called on civilians to begin a mass evacuation because of what he described as Ukrainian aggression. .
Pushilin said that from “today, February 18, a mass evacuation of people to the Russian Federation was organized.”
According to the agreement with the leadership of the Russian Federation in the Rostov region, places for reception and accommodation of our citizens are ready.
“All conditions have been created for rapid switching at checkpoints.” Pushilin said the order was issued because Ukraine “daily equips the army with lethal weapons, including the Smerch and Uragan multi-launch rocket systems, NLAW missile sets, as well as Javelins and Stingers along the way. entire line of communication.”
Sebastian Shukla and Anastasia Graham-Yooll contributed reporting to this post.
