Thousands Are Fleeing as Putin Bombs the Donbas Cities He Most Covets

Thousands are fleeing as Russia intensifies strikes on Donbas cities it values, with residents describing escalating devastation and fear of the conflict reaching the last Ukrainian strongholds. The report profiles Nadiya Trofimchuk, 79, from Sloviansk, who said a major April strike involved a 3,000-pound bomb that destroyed nearly an entire block. Similar pressure has concentrated Russian forces on “fortress belt” cities including Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, and Kostiantynivka, with troops reportedly taking Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka becoming largely devastated. Sloviansk and Kramatorsk are not described as in immediate danger of falling, but Moscow is battering them with glide bombs and exploding drones. The article notes civilians have evacuated beyond the 20-mile range from war. It also discusses that Ukraine has resisted efforts tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to trade territory in peace negotiations. Residents interviewed say places like Mykolaivka are already burning.