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Volodymyr Zelensky orders evacuation of Donetsk amid war with Russia
On Sunday (May 29), president Volodymyr Zelensky made his first trip outside Kyiv since the beginning of the Russian invasion. He visited Ukrainian troops on the frontlines in the northeastern Kharkiv region - Photo: President Zelensky Facebook account

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the evacuation of the city of Donetsk on Saturday (July 30) amid the war with Russia, according to the country’s presidency, the Anadolu Agency reported.

Zelenskyy said: “There is a government decision on a mandatory evacuation from the Donetsk region, everything is being organized. Full support, full assistance – both logistical and payments.”

He said officials “need a decision from the people themselves, who have not yet made it for themselves. Go, we will help.”

“There are hundreds of thousands of people, tens of thousands of children,” he said. “Many people refuse to leave ... but it really needs to be done. This decision will still have to be made. Anyway! Believe me”

He added: “If you have the opportunity, please talk to those who still remain in the combat zones in Donbas. Please convince them that it is necessary to leave, especially if they are families with children.” 

Destroyed college building in occupied Kadiivka that was used by Russians as a military base for at least three months - Euromaidan Press/Photo. via Twitter/@hochu_dodomu

Donetsk formerly known as Aleksandrovka, Yuzivka (or Hughesovka), Stalin and Stalino (see also: cities' alternative names), is an industrial city in eastern Ukraine located on the Kalmius River in Donetsk Oblast.

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According to the 2001 Ukrainian Census, Donetsk was the fifth-largest city in Ukraine.

Donetsk has been a major economic, industrial and scientific centre of Ukraine with a high concentration of heavy industries and a skilled workforce.

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