Ukraine has decided to evacuate families with children from several cities and towns in the eastern Donetsk region, where battles with Russia are now intensifying.
Control over several towns and cities in eastern Donetsk has shifted between Russia and Ukraine in recent times. Examples include the city of Lyman, which was held by Russian forces for a short time before being retaken by Ukraine.
The Kremlin claimed in 2022 that Russia had annexed Donetsk, despite not having full control over the region.