**Civilians in Donetsk Oblast Forced to Choose Between Staying Under Fire or Leaving Life Behind**
The city of Bilozerske, located just 30 kilometers north of the embattled city of Pokrovsk, is a scene of desperation and resilience. Despite the threat of Russian drones and glide bombs, residents are waiting for hours in queues to receive essential supplies like hygiene kits and water.
Anastasia Olekh, from the Caritas Mariupol non-government humanitarian organization, says that many civilians are facing a tough decision: stay under fire or leave life behind. “People are being forced to choose between staying in their homes, where they can face constant bombardment, or leaving everything behind and starting anew,” she explained.
**Evacuation Efforts Underway**
Following the Russian offensive targeting Pokrovsk, the city of Pavlohrad has become a new evacuation hub for those fleeing Donetsk Oblast. The once-thriving theater hall is now a dormitory for evacuees awaiting their train or bus further west.
The hall is filled with people who have been displaced from their homes, many of whom are exhausted and in need of medical attention. A woman, still shaken by her experience, sat surrounded by her two dogs, while an elderly man scribbled notes on a notebook using his phone as a light source.
**Why They Won’t Leave**
When asked why they wouldn’t leave the danger zone, those who spoke with the Kyiv Independent cited two reasons: the tough decision to leave home and the lack of opportunities elsewhere. As Viktor, a 66-year-old former miner, explained, “There were soldiers in the streets, my city is no longer accessible and constantly under shelling. I don’t have anywhere to go, nor do I want to get in touch with relatives in safer places.”
Despite the risks, evacuation efforts continue, with authorities and NGOs working tirelessly to help those in need. However, as of mid-December, around 300,000 civilians remained in Donetsk Oblast, out of which 54,000 lived directly in an active warzone.
**The Humanitarian Crisis**
The situation is dire, with many evacuees struggling to cope with the trauma and loss they have experienced. The UN has provided care packages, but much more needs to be done to support those affected by this ongoing conflict.
As the battle for Donetsk Oblast rages on, civilians are caught in the crossfire, forced to make impossible choices between their safety and their livelihoods. The international community must come together to provide aid and support, and to demand an end to the violence that is tearing families apart.