Today at 13:52
February 18, the self-proclaimed leaders of unrecognized “Donetsk/Luhansk People’s Republics,” Denys Pushylin and Leonid Pasechnik, announced the “beginning of the mass evacuation of Donbas residents to Russia.” Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and the Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov responded to their statements, urging citizens not to believe the rumors that Ukraine is planning an offensive in Donbas.
Read the full address of Ukraine’s authorities here.
UA journalists follow the events in the territories temporarily not under Ukraine’s control.
17:14 In occupied Donetsk, the alarm sirens are heard all over the city, self-proclaimed authorities announced the evacuation of the locals. People stand in queues at ATMs and gas stations. The first evacuation buses should leave on February 18 at 20:00.
16:30 Russian and occupation media spread lies about the evacuation of the population from territories beyond Ukraine’s control due to the aggravation of the situation in Donbas on February 18.
15:35 Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Kuleba has denied reports that Ukraine is preparing an offensive in Donbas.
“We categorically refute the reports of Russian propaganda about the alleged offensive operations of Ukraine or sabotage in the chemical industry. Ukraine does not carry out or plan any such actions in Donbas. We are committed exclusively to the diplomatic settlement,” said the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.
14:13 Leader of self-proclaimed “Luhansk People’s Republic” Leonid Pasechnik called on the population occupied Luhansk region to evacuate to Russia. According to him, the appeal concerns “those who do not have mobilization regulations, as well as those who are not involved in the livelihood of social and civic infrastructure.” He declared the readiness of the Russian Federation to place people on its territory and called on men “ready to take up arms, to defend” the pseudo-republic.
14:04 Leader of self-proclaimed “Donetsk People’s Republic” Denys Pushylin announced organized mass departure of the locals in Russia. According to him, the evacuees should be placed in the Rostov region. “Women, children, and the elderly are the first to be evacuated.”
10:00 Ukraine’s Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov addressed the residents of the temporarily occupied territories and stated that Ukraine would not use force against the residents of occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Read also: Russian-backed militants shelled UN humanitarian convoy in Donbas
Reznikov stated that Kyiv does not confirm the withdrawal of Russian troops from the border. According to the minister, as of February 18, 149,000 Russian troops of the ground component, as well as aviation and naval contingent are amassed at Ukrainian borders.
Russia is trying to create a fake reason to invade Ukraine. That was stated by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, commenting on reports of shelling on the line of contact. This is a blatant attempt by the Russian government, a typical Kremlin strategy. And the reaction will be relevant.
February 17, the situation in the Donbas conflict area worsened after a relative lull. As reported earlier, Russia-backed militants shelled a number of civilian facilities, including a school and a kindergarten.
