dpa
Kiev
In light of the intense Russian attacks near Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine, a catastrophe threatens the defenders, the government-affiliated Ukrainian military channel Deep State reported on Monday.
The city is reportedly already surrounded on three sides. Meanwhile, Russian units are attempting to cut off and encircle the Ukrainian military stationed there, the military experts said. The situation of the Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk region has rapidly deteriorated since early August. In this sector of the front, the Russian army is not only advancing on the now heavily damaged Kurakhove but has also alarmingly approached the nearby transport hub of Pokrovsk.
During the fierce fighting for Kurakhove, a dam at Stari Terny was destroyed by the Russians, according to official Ukrainian reports. Downstream, the water level of the Vovcha has reportedly risen by more than 1 metre.
The Russian side, however, blamed the Ukrainians for the destruction, suggesting it was possibly intended to hinder the advance of Russian units.
Meanwhile, a forced evacuation has been ordered for 10 more villages in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv due to advancing Russian troops, Governor Oleh Syniehubov announced on Monday.
The governor explained on a Ukrainian news television channel that the enemy is constantly shelling civilian settlements in the affected areas around the village of Borova on the eastern bank of the Oskil River. Similar orders were earlier issued for villages in the more northern Kupiansk metropolitan area.
Since September 10, approximately 6,500 people have been evacuated, including about 500 minors, according to the governor.