Compulsory Evacuations Begin in Sloviansk as Russian Forces Advance

Ukraine has initiated the compulsory evacuation of children from Sloviansk, a key stronghold in the Donbas region, as Russian forces continue to advance. The move signals a deteriorating security situation in the city, which lies approximately 20km (12 miles) from the frontline at various points Reuters reports.

Deteriorating Security Situation in Sloviansk

Vadym Filashkin, governor of the Donetsk region, signed an order on Friday to forcibly evacuate children from roughly 30 streets in Sloviansk deemed most vulnerable to Russian shelling Kyiv Post. Sloviansk, along with other towns and cities, forms part of an urban “fortress belt” in the eastern Donetsk region, an area Russia aims to fully control due to its significant coal mining and heavy industry Strait Times. Currently, Ukraine maintains control of just under a quarter of the Donetsk region.

Recent attacks have underscored the escalating danger. On March 10th, Russian guided aerial bombs struck a residential area in Sloviansk, resulting in four civilian deaths and sixteen injuries, including a 14-year-old Kyiv Post. Military personnel and civilians alike are living under constant bombardment, with Russian drones frequently patrolling the streets Kyiv Post.

EU Aid Package and Hungarian Veto

Despite Hungary’s continued veto of a crucial 90 billion euro ($103 billion) loan from the EU, Ukraine still anticipates receiving the first tranche next month. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he discussed the matter with EU leaders and remains optimistic about a resolution The Guardian.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has indicated potential further actions to pressure Ukraine, including disrupting the transit of Russian oil and potentially blocking future EU sanctions against Russia The Guardian. Orbán claims Hungary could also restrict electricity supply to Ukraine, as 40% of Ukraine’s electricity passes through Hungary.

Shifting Resources and International Concerns

The United States has repositioned a significant number of Patriot air defense missile systems from Europe to the Middle East in response to ballistic missile attacks on Turkey from Iran The Guardian. US defense officials have expressed concern over dwindling Patriot missile stocks in Europe due to the ongoing conflicts The Guardian.

Ukraine has also deployed military units to protect critical infrastructure against drones in several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.

Recent Attacks and Allegations

Russian forces attacked Ukrainian oil and gas facilities in the Poltava and Sumy regions overnight, causing damage and suspending operations at the facilities Pravda. Allegations have surfaced regarding the use of a “forced injection” – believed to contain a relaxant – by Hungarian security operatives on a Ukrainian detainee during a raid involving gold bars and cash The Guardian.