Children from over 20 settlements will be forcibly evacuated in Donetsk Oblast

Authorities in Donetsk Oblast have announced the mandatory evacuation of families with children from over 20 settlements in response to intensifying Russian attacks in the region. Governor Vadim Filashkin made the announcement on January 24, emphasizing the heightened threat to civilian lives.

Evacuations in Donetsk Oblast have been ongoing since the summer and autumn of 2024, as Russian forces intensified their offensive in eastern Ukraine. Despite these efforts, an estimated 307,000 civilians remained in Ukrainian-controlled areas of the region as of early January.

According to Filashkin, forced evacuations will now commence in multiple settlements within the Komar and Kryvorizhzhia communities. Over 100 children are affected by the order, with 76 still residing in the Komar area and 34 in Kryvorizhzhia.

Filashkin underscored the urgency of the situation, urging parents to prioritize their children’s safety: "Now that the enemy has intensified shelling of Donetsk Oblast, people are suffering and dying every day. I ask parents to be very responsible about the evacuation. Children should live in peace and tranquility, not hide from shelling."

Many of the settlements targeted for evacuation are located less than 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Pokrovsk, a city that has become a focal point of Russia's intensified offensive in eastern Ukraine. As the conflict persists, officials aim to relocate children and families to safer areas to protect them from the escalating violence.

Russians shelling of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivkaleft 1 killed and 4 injured

A Russian shelling attack on the cities of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast on January 26 resulted in the death of one woman and injuries to four other individuals, local authorities reported.

The injured victims, aged between 48 and 70, were caught in the attack that caused significant damage to numerous high-rise buildings and residential houses in Kostiantynivka.

Emergency services are working on the ground to assess the damage's extent and assist those affected. The attack is part of ongoing Russian military aggression in the region, which continues to endanger civilian lives and infrastructure.

Zelensky believes Trump can end war in Ukraine and must include Kyiv in talks

U.S. President Donald Trump might have the potential to fulfill his campaign promise of ending the war in Ukraine. Still, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized only if Kyiv is actively involved in any negotiations.

Zelensky pointed out that while the specifics of Trump’s proposed plan remain unclear, one thing is certain: Russian President Vladimir Putin is unwilling to bring the war to a close. Trump’s pledge to resolve the conflict within 24 hours of taking office, made during his campaign, has been described as vague, with his aides later admitting that any resolution could take months.

Zelensky stressed that the war could not end without Ukraine's direct involvement in peace talks. He explained, "Otherwise, it will not work. Russia does not want to end the war, while Ukraine does."

The Ukrainian leader expressed doubts about the feasibility of a deal and questioned whether Trump fully understands the complexities involved. “I believe President Trump himself does not know all the details. Much depends on what sort of just peace we can achieve and whether Putin is, in principle, willing to stop the war. I believe he isn't,” Zelensky said.

Nevertheless, Zelensky acknowledged that Trump appears genuinely committed to resolving the conflict, recognizing the risks of prolongation. "He is simply saying this has to end or it will get worse," Zelensky remarked, referring to Trump's stance on the urgency of a resolution.

Trump has indicated his openness to dialogue with Putin, a departure from the Biden administration’s firm stance against direct negotiations with the Russian leader.

Zelensky also highlighted the importance of involving European allies in future peace talks, particularly as Ukraine continues its bid to join the European Union. "As for the structure of the talks, I truly hope Ukraine will be there, alongside America, Europe, and Russia," he stated. Ukraine submitted its EU membership application shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, underscoring its determination to strengthen ties with the West.

As the war nears its third anniversary, Zelensky’s comments underline the complexity of achieving a “just peace” and the vital role of international cooperation in any potential resolution.

Ukrainian troops avoided encirclement in Velyka Novosilka

Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from some positions around Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast to avoid encirclement as intense fighting continues near the village, which is located approximately 15 kilometers from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

According to the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade, Russian forces significantly outnumber Ukrainian troops in infantry strength, though both sides face equipment shortages.

While Russian forces are expected to capture the village soon, advancing further will be challenging due to natural and tactical obstacles. The Mokri Yaly River hinders Russian movement and places their troops in a vulnerable "fire pocket," where Ukrainian artillery and drone strikes heavily suppress their movements.

The Mokri Yaly River has also disrupted Ukrainian supply routes. On Jan. 23, military spokesperson Viktor Trehubov cautioned that Ukrainian troops were at risk of encirclement as Russian forces intensified their attempts to seize key access routes to the village through heavy shelling.

On Jan. 24, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces had raised a flag in the center of Velyka Novosilka, splitting the town in two and cutting off Ukrainian troops in the southern pocket.

It remains unclear how many Ukrainian soldiers may be trapped in the southern part of the village. However, estimates suggest the number could be in the hundreds, representing two to three battalions.

As Russian forces continue their offensive, the battle in Donetsk Oblast highlights the ongoing intensity of the conflict. Throughout late 2024, Russian troops made gradual operational gains in southern Donetsk, including areas near Toretsk and Chasiv Yar, as well as along contested areas in Kupiansk and Kursk Oblast. However, progress remains slow and heavily contested due to fierce Ukrainian resistance.