Desperate civilians in Ukraine’s Irpin are running to save their lives as Russian forces lay siege to the town on the outskirts of capital Kyiv and launched a furious assault. People who fled their homes left belongings behind as the enemy knocked on the city’s doors.
The neighbouring city of Bucha district witnessed a relentless Russian onslaught on day 13 of the war between the two neighbouring countries. Amid a barrage of missiles and the onward press of Russian military, the Ukrainian defence forces blew up a bridge that connected this strategic suburb to Kyiv.
The destruction of the concrete bridge has slowed down the advance of the Russian troops, but residents of Irpin are deeply fearful. Supplies are running low, and they have been without electricity, water and heat for four days, according to the governor of the Kyiv Oblast.
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Evacuations are taking place in the brief window when the Russian forces halt their attacks. Civilians — mostly women and children — were seen leaving behind their possessions and taking only what was essential.
From a child’s bicycle to an elderly person’s walker, various household items are lying out in the open on the city streets as people leave in a frenzy. Several homes and commercial buildings have been damaged in the shelling.
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Day 13 of Ukraine-Russia War; Kyiv under siege.
Heavy shelling rocks Ukrainian skies.#Russia #UkraineRussiaWar #Ukraine #IndiaFirst | @GauravCSawant
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EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT
India Today’s Gaurav Sawant spoke to Victoria, a resident of Irpin, who was trying to leave the frontline suburb before Russian forces take the city. She said she has no home to hide inside — it was destroyed in the bombardment.
“Many people in my neighbourhood are stuck because homes are surrounded by Russian forces. They are too scared to leave their homes,” Victoria added.
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The United Nations human rights office said it had verified 1,335 civilian casualties in Ukraine, including 474 killed and 861 injured, since the invasion kicked off on February 24. But the true toll was likely to be higher, it said.
HEAVY DEFENCE MEASURES
Ukrainian forces and civilian volunteers in besieged Irpin are putting up a fierce resistance to the invading Russian forces. They know that if they let the enemy through, the road will lead them straight to Kyiv.
Anti-tank guided missiles and surface to surface projectiles, along with military men, are posted at the entrance to defend the city.
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