Arriving in Trostyanets shortly after Ukrainian forces announced the northeastern town near the Russian border had been retaken following weeks of Russian occupation, The Associated Press on Monday saw a civilian landscape that has seen some of the worst of war.
The hospital was damaged, its windows jagged with broken glass. The train station had been shot up. Residents stepped carefully, wary of mines. They rode their bicycles past craters in the road and past the ruins of homes. It is not yet clear how many civilians have been killed.
It is not clear where the Russian forces went, under what circumstances they fled or whether the town will remain free of them in the days ahead. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his overnight address emphasized that the situation remains tense in Ukraine’s northeast around Kharkiv, the nearest large city, and other areas.
Late last week, with its forces stalled in parts of the country, Russia seemed to scale back its war aims, saying its main goal was gaining control of the Donbas in the east. On the walls were patriotic messages including drawings signed by children in Russian reading “Thanks for the peace, soldier.” Another room had been used as a clinic, with unused drips ready and desks turned into beds, although there was no sign of blood.
She called the Russians “orcs,” or goblin-like creatures. Militias from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions were there as well, she said. The entire town had been occupied.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia-Ukraine war: Russia may try to split country, Ukraine intel suggestsUkraine’s military intelligence chief says that Russia could try to break Ukraine in two.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Ukraine intel chief says Russia plans 'Korean scenario'Firefighters battle blaze at apartment building in Makariv, Ukraine.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Russian forces 'largely static' in north, UK saysUkrainian emergency responders rushed to put out a fire raging at an oil depot in Lviv, as a result of shelling in the area.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Biden not seeking Putin’s ouster, Blinken says; Zelensky pushes for planesThe White House is walking back President Biden’s fiery, ad-libbed comments calling Vladimir Putin a “dictator' who “cannot remain in power” — insisting the United States is not looking for regime change in Russia. Follow our updates:
Read more »