Ukraine fears repeat of Mariupol horrors elsewhere in Donbas
Ukraine fears repeat of Mariupol horrors elsewhere in Donbas
By YURAS KARMANAU and ELENA BECATOROS2 hours ago
KRAMATORSK, Ukraine (AP) — Moscow-backed separatists pounded eastern Ukraine’s industrial Donbas region Friday, claiming to capture a railway hub, as Ukrainian officials pleaded for the sophisticated Western weapons they say they need to stop the onslaught.
The advance of Russian forces raised fears that cities in the region would undergo the same horrors inflicted on the people of the port city Mariupol in the weeks before it fell.
The fighting Friday focused on two key cities: Sievierodonetsk and nearby Lysychansk. They are the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk, one of two provinces that make up the Donbas and where Russia-backed separatists have already controlled some territory for eight years. Authorities say 1,500 people in Sievierodonetsk have already died since the war’s start three months ago. Russia-backed rebels also said they’d taken the railway hub of Lyman.
The governor of Luhansk warned that Ukrainian soldiers may have to retreat from Sievierodonetsk to avoid being surrounded. But he predicted an ultimate Ukrainian victory. “The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days, as analysts predict,″ Serhiy Haidai wrote on Telegram on Friday. “We will have enough forces and means to defend ourselves.”
RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
AP PHOTOS: In Ukraine, living in fear of death from aboveLive updates | Communist deputy demands Russian withdrawalBiden tells Naval Academy grads Putin ‘NATO-ized Europe’US wins latest legal battle to seize Russian yacht in Fiji
ADVERTISEMENT
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesnskyy also struck a defiant tone. In his nightly video address Friday, he said: “If the occupiers think that Lyman or Sievierodonetsk will be theirs, they are wrong. Donbas will be Ukrainian.”
For now, Sievierodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Striuk told The Associated Press that “the city is being systematically destroyed — 90% of the buildings in the city are damaged.”
Striuk described conditions in Sievierodonetsk reminiscent of the battle for Mariupol, located in the Donbas’ other province, Donetsk. Now in ruins, the port city was constantly barraged by Russian forces in a nearly three-month siege that ended last week when Russia claimed its capture. More than 20,000 of its civilians are feared dead.
Before the war, Sievierodonetsk was home to around 100,000 people. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city, Striuk said, huddled in shelters and largely cut off from the rest of Ukraine. At least 1,500 people have died there because of the war, now in its 93rd day. The figure includes people killed by shelling or in fires caused by Russian missile strikes, as well as those who died from shrapnel wounds, untreated diseases, a lack of medicine or being trapped under rubble, the mayor said.
In the city’s northeastern quarter, Russian reconnaissance and sabotage groups tried to capture the Mir Hotel and the area around it, Striuk said.
Hints of Russia’s strategy for the Donbas can be found in Mariupol, where Moscow is consolidating its control through measures including state-controlled broadcast programming and overhauled school curricula, according to an analysis from the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank.
Gen. Phillip Breedlove, former head of U.S. European Command for NATO, said Friday during a panel mounted by the Washington-based Middle East Institute that Russia appears to have “once again adjusted its objectives, and fearfully now it seems that they are trying to consolidate and enforce the land that they have rather than focus on expanding it.”
ADVERTISEMENT
That aggressive push could backfire, however, by seriously depleting Russia’s arsenal. Echoing an assessment from the British Defense Ministry, military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said Russia was deploying 50-year-old T-62 tanks, “which means that the second army of the world has run out of modernized equipment.”
Russia-backed rebels said Friday that they had taken over Lyman, Donetsk’s large railway hub north of two more key cities still under Ukrainian control. Ukrainian presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych acknowledged the loss Thursday night, though a Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesperson reported Friday that its soldiers countered Russian attempts to completely push them out.
As Ukraine’s hopes of stopping the Russian advance faded, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba pleaded with Western nations for heavy weapons, saying it was the one area in which Russia had a clear advantage.
“Without artillery, without multiple launch rocket systems we won’t be able to push them back,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
The U.S. Defense Department would not confirm a CNN report that the Biden administration was preparing to send long-range rocket systems to Ukraine, perhaps as early as next week. “Certainly we’re mindful and aware of Ukrainian asks, privately and publicly, for what is known as a multiple launch rocket system. And I won’t get ahead of decisions that haven’t been made yet,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that providing rockets that could reach his country would represent “a most serious step toward unacceptable escalation.” He spoke in an interview with RT Arabic that aired Friday.
Just south of Sievierodonetsk, volunteers hoped to evacuate 100 people from a smaller town. It was a painstaking process: Many of the evacuees from Bakhmut were elderly or infirm and needed to be carried out of apartment buildings in soft stretchers and wheelchairs.
Minibuses and vans zipped through the city, picking up dozens for the first leg of a long journey west.
“Bakhmut is a high-risk area right now,” said Mark Poppert, an American volunteer working with British charity RefugEase. “We’re trying to get as many people out as we can.”
To the north, neighboring Belarus — used by Russia as a staging ground before the invasion — announced Friday that it was sending troops toward the Ukrainian border.
ADVERTISEMENT
In Russia’s Far East, a legislative deputy offered a rare display of opposition to the war in Ukraine, demanding the end of the military operation and the withdrawal of Russian troops. “We understand that if our country doesn’t stop the military operation, we’ll have more orphans in our country,” Leonid Vasyukevich of the Communist Party said Friday at a meeting of the Primorsk regional Legislative Assembly in the Pacific port of Vladivostok.
His comments, which he addressed to President Vladimir Putin, were shown in a video posted on a Telegram. Another deputy followed to support Vasyukevich’s views. But the legislative assembly’s chairman issued a statement afterward calling the remarks a “political provocation” not supported by the majority of lawmakers.
___
Karmanau reported from Lviv, Ukraine. Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Andrew Katell in New York and AP journalists around the world contributed.
___
This story has been edited to correct that 1,500 people have died in Sievierodonetsk alone, not the Donbas region as a whole.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
ADVERTISEMENT
You May Like
Price Alert: These Nissan SUVs Are Now As Cheap As $18k (Deal of the Day)Promoted: CarsGeniusSearch Now
The Best Men’s Shoes for Walking and Standing All DayPromoted: Hsweetgirl.comShop Now
You Know These shoes Will Last For Years Promoted: LovehotsShop Now
The Best Men’s Shoes Are Taking Waddell By StormPromoted: Wmshoe.comShop Now
ADVERTISEMENT
When You Eat Oatmeal Every Day, This Is What Happens
Top US Doctor: Sugar Is Not The Problem (This Is)
Russia says it will pay foreign debt in rubles after US banRussia says it will pay dollar-denominated foreign debt in rubles, a move that is likely to be seen by foreign investors as a default. The U.S. Treasury Department led by Janet Yellen allowed a license to expireMay 25, 2022
Ad Content
The genius shopping trick every Amazon Prime Member should knowPromoted: Capital One Shopping
Weird “Fungal Blend” – The Immune-Boosting Miracle We’ve All Been SearchingPromoted: VeraVida Naturals Daily
Search For Healthy & Natural Dog Treats OnlinePromoted: Yahoo! Search
Overwater Bungalow Vacations at Unbeatable Prices!Promoted: Vacation Deals | Search Ads
Albania offers ex-Soviet built naval base to NATOTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania has offered NATO a naval base in an effort to highlight the small country’s value in the alliance “in these difficult times,” the prime minister’s office said Thursday.May 26, 2022
US Navy admiral was not captured in UkraineCLAIM: Photo shows retired U.S. Navy Admiral Eric Olson among prisoners captured by Russian troops at the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine.May 26, 2022
Ad Content
Cool Down a Room In 5 MinutesPromoted: Lifestyle TechClick Here
How Lower-Emission Fuels Can Help Power The Future Of TransportationPromoted: InsiderLearn More
Dental Implants Average Cost Might Surprise YouPromoted: Dental Implants | Search AdsGet Quote
Myers, Voit provide punch as Padres beat Pirates 4-3SAN DIEGO (AP) — Wil Myers drove in Manny Machado with a shattered-bat single in the eighth inning and the San Diego Padres beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Friday night.an hour ago
UAE dismantles plane of gunrunner Russia wants for AmericansUMM AL-QUWAIN, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The hulking, Soviet-era cargo plane has sat for decades under the blazing sun in a remote corner of the United Arab Emirates, its four jet engines silent after years in the employ of a Russian gunrunner known as the “Merchant of Death.”yesterday
Ad Content
Roof Replacement Cost in 2022 – Up To 3 EstimatesPromoted: The Roofing Estimate
What to Know About Per Diem Shift CoveragePromoted: Clipboard Health
2022 Roof Replacement Costs – New Roof PricesPromoted: The Roofing Estimate
New Laptops On SalePromoted: Laptop Savings Center
Japan, US fly fighters after China drill, N. Korean missilesTOKYO (AP) — Japanese and U.S. forces have conducted a joint fighter jet flight over the Sea of Japan, Japan’s military said Thursday, in an apparent response to a Russia-China joint bomber flight while U.S.May 26, 2022
Blinken: US to leverage Russia-Ukraine bloc against ChinaWASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony BlinkenMay 26, 2022
Ad Content
The Best Men’s Shoes Are Taking Arizona By StormPromoted: Wmshoe.comShop Now
Here’s What New Air Conditioner Should Cost You!Promoted: brilliantcheckClick Here
Arizona Launches New Policy For Cars Used Less Than 50 Miles/DayPromoted: BindRight Auto Insurance Quotes
Pope greets Russian patriarch, criticized for ‘naive’ policyROME (AP) — Pope Francis has sent a protocol greeting to the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, assuring him of prayers on his patron’s feast day and stressing the value of human life and wisdom, as the Vatican insists on maintaining cordial relations amid the war in Ukraine .May 25, 2022
Coach Robbie Deans upbeat ahead of Japan League One finalJapan’s new rugby competition will have its first final on Sunday, ushering in a new era with a contest between teams whose feats echo through the history of professional rugby in the country. Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights will play Suntory Sungoliath in front of a likely packed house at the Nationyesterday
Ad Content
Empty Las Vegas Suites That Overlook The StripPromoted: Las Vegas Deals | sponsored searches
Foot Neuropathy? These New Breakthrough Socks Help Relieve The PainPromoted: AmRelieve
Residential Foundation Repair Cost In Waddell May Surprise YouPromoted: Foundation Fix | Search Ads
The Prices For Foundation Crack Repair In Waddell Might Surprise YouPromoted: Crawl Space Repair | Search Ads
Iranian oil tanker’s cargo seized in Greece after US requestATHENS, Greece (AP) — The crude oil cargo of an Iranian-flagged tanker that was stopped in Greek waters last month has been seized and is being transferred to another vessel following a request from the U.S., a Greek official said Thursday.May 26, 2022
China criticizes US as tensions rise in South PacificBEIJING (AP) — China on Friday criticized a speech by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinkenyesterday
Ad Content
The Prices For Crawl Space Repair In Waddell Might Surprise YouPromoted: Foundation Company | Search Ads
Cheap Structural Foundation Repair Services in WaddellPromoted: Foundation Services | Search Ads
New Senior Apartments Coming Nearby Waddell (Take a Look at The Cost)Promoted: Home For Seniors
West mulls having Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctionsBERLIN (AP) — Western allies are considering whether to allow Russian oligarchs to buy their way out of sanctions and using the money to rebuild Ukraine, according to government officials familiar with the matter.May 26, 2022
Biden tells Naval Academy grads Putin ‘NATO-ized Europe’ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (AP) — President Joe Biden told Naval Academy graduates Friday that they will be “representatives and defenders of our democracy,” as free societies are under threat from Russia’s invasion of Ukraineyesterday
Ad Content
School Photography Guide – GotPhoto – The Must Have Solution for Volume PhotographersPromoted: www.gotphoto.com
New Toyota Rav4 – DealsPromoted: Toyota Rav4 | Search Ads
Do’s And Don’ts For Pain-Free Knees Promoted: Lower Joint Pain
Gorgeous New Bed Frames Now On SalePromoted: Amazing Furniture Sales
US wins latest legal battle to seize Russian yacht in FijiWELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The United States on Friday won the latest round of a legal battle to seize a $325-million Russian-owned superyacht in Fiji, with the case now appearing headed for the Pacific nation’s top court.yesterday
US levels new sanctions after North Korea missile launchesWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. targeted two Russian banks Friday as part of new sanctions over alleged support for North Korea and its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The sanctions come after what the U.S.yesterday
Ad Content
The Prices Vegas Helicopter Tours May Surprise You!Promoted: brilliantcheckClick Here
Every Plug-In-Hybrid Vehicle for Sale in the U.S. TodayPromoted: Car & Driver
Waddell: E-Bikes Clearance Sale: See PricesPromoted: New E-Bikes | Search Ads
UK minister: Russian meddling ‘must be stopped’ in BosniaSARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss visited Bosnia’s capital Thursday to reaffirm the U.K.’s commitment to the ethnically divided Balkan country amid growing fears of what she described as malign influence from Russia.May 26, 2022
China and Russia veto new UN sanctions on North KoreaUNITED NATIONS (AP) — China and Russia vetoed a U.N. resolution sponsored by the United States on Thursday that would have imposed tough new sanctions on North Korea for its spate of intercontinental ballistic missile launches that can be used to deliver nuclear weapons.yesterday
AP NEWS
- Top Stories
- Video
- Contact Us
- Accessibility Statement
- Cookie Settings
DOWNLOAD AP NEWS
Connect with the definitive source for global and local news
MORE FROM AP
FOLLOW AP
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
All contents © copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.https://secure-assets.rubiconproject.com/utils/xapi/multi-sync.html?p=19564_2&endpoint=us-east
javascript:void(0)
about:blank