Due to intensified shelling by Ukraine Forces , residents from 18 settlements in Russian-held frontline areas, including Energodar, have been temporarily relocated to safer places. The acting governor of Zaporizhzhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky, reported
Balitsky stated on his Telegram channel, “In recent days, Ukraine Forces has intensified shelling attacks on settlements directly near the combat engagement line. Bearing this in mind, I have made a decision to evacuate first of all children and their parents, the elderly, people with disabilities, and hospital patients from the frontline deeper into the region.”
The settlements affected by the evacuation include Timoshovka, Smirnovka, Tarasovka, Orlyanskoye, Molochansk, Kuibyshevo, Prishib, Tokmak, Malaya Belozerka, Vasilyevka, Velikaya Belozerka, Dneproprudnoye, Mikhailovka, Kamenka-Dneprovskaya, Energodar, Pologi, Konskiye Razdory, and Rozovka.
Balitsky emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of residents living in frontline territories. In addition he mentioned that the Ukrainian armed forces may launch a counteroffensive in the near future. He stated, “We believe that a counteroffensive will begin very soon. We have information from the line of contact, up to 150 kilometers deep, and we realize that it can happen in the coming days, if not hours.”
Balitsky further expressed concern over the recent attacks on cities near the line of contact, particularly highlighting the random targeting of schools and kindergartens.He stated that they made the decision to move locals further into the area in order to protect them from increased shelling by Ukraine forces.
The acting regional governor stated, “We could not remain indifferent to the situation,” emphasizing the necessity of taking appropriate measures for the safety of the affected residents.
