Russian forces have once again launched an attack on Donetsk: six civilians were injured and had to urgently seek safety
On the morning of Friday, May 16, the situation in Donetsk region worsened again due to another breach by Russian invaders, who carried out shelling with heavy weapons, causing a wave of destruction and human suffering. According to official information received from Vadym Fylashkin, head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, six civilians—including women and elderly people—were injured as a result of targeted attacks. This serves as a stark reminder of the ruthless realities of war and the urgent need to evacuate the most vulnerable populations. The events began around 5 a.m. in the settlement of Pokrovsk, where, according to local authorities, a massive attack by Russian forces was recorded. The shelling damaged three residential buildings, and five residents aged between 50 and 66 were wounded. It is especially important to note that each of these individuals has become a victim of the relentless war, which increasingly complicates the lives of Donbas residents ever since the onset of occupation and aggression. Another tragedy occurred in the village of Andriivka. There, a local civilian vehicle was hit by a Russian strike, with the use of a FPV drone and artillery, resulting in another person being wounded. Likely, this was a targeted terror attack planned and carried out using modern unmanned systems, which have become an integral part of the Russian occupiers’ military tactics. Vadym Fylashkin, head of Donetsk, emphasized once again in his public statement the danger posed by the constant presence of residents in the combat zone. He strongly urged for evacuation, stressing that it is the only way to save lives and avoid tragic consequences. “Once again I emphasize: staying in Donetsk region is dangerous! Evacuation saves lives!” he said in his comments, highlighting the urgent need for residents to make the right decision. This day was not the first, nor likely the last, in a wave of destruction and tragedies caused by Russian aggression. The background of the conflict from recent days includes a number of other incidents: in Kherson, where social service workers of the city council were hit by Russian fire, one was wounded; as well as a tragedy in Beryslav, where a man was killed and two people injured during shelling. Overall, the situation in Ukraine's eastern regions remains tense. Local authorities call on residents not to ignore alarm signals and to evacuate from dangerous zones to save lives. This is happening amid increasing shelling, destruction, and human losses—tragic realities that have become a harsh reality for Donetsk, which for centuries has been striving to defend itself from external aggressions. The threat continues to persist, but it is important to remember: community unity, quick evacuation, and international support are key components in the fight to preserve human lives and restore peace in the region.