Ukrainians in Donbas Face Life-or-Death Decision Amid Russian Advance

As Russian Forces Advance, Ukrainians in Donbas Must Choose to Stay or Go In the face of Russia's relentless advance, the people of Bilozerske, a small mining town in eastern Ukraine, are being forced to make an impossible decision: stay and risk their lives or flee and leave behind everything they know. The White Angels, a team of Ukrainian police officers known for their bravery, arrived in Bilozerske on Tuesday with a mission to evacuate as many civilians as possible from the war-torn town. The team's armored van, equipped with a steel cage to protect it from Russian drones, sped into the town, navigating through streets lined with shattered buildings and broken trees. "We're doing everything we can to get people out of here," said Oleksandr, a White Angel officer, who asked not to be identified by his full name. "But it's getting harder every day. The Russians are closing in, and we don't know how much longer we'll be able to stay." Bilozerske, with its population estimated at around 700, is just nine miles from the front line, making it one of the most vulnerable towns in the region. The local hospital and banks have already closed, and many buildings are damaged or destroyed. The decision to stay or go is not an easy one for the people of Bilozerske. Those who choose to leave behind their homes and livelihoods risk being separated from family members and friends who may be unable to flee. Those who stay face the very real possibility of injury or death. "This is a war that's been going on for years, and it's getting worse by the day," said Natalia, a Bilozerske resident who chose to remain anonymous. "We're trapped between two armies, with no way out. It's like we're living in a nightmare." The conflict in Donbas has its roots in 2014, when pro-Russian separatists declared independence from Ukraine. Since then, the region has been plagued by violence and instability, with both sides suffering heavy losses. As the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, the international community is calling for an end to the fighting. The United Nations has condemned the Russian advance as a "clear breach" of international law, while the European Union has imposed new sanctions on Russia in response to its actions. The White Angels' mission to evacuate Bilozerske is just one example of the humanitarian efforts underway in the region. As the conflict continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how many more towns like Bilozerske will be forced to choose between staying and going. Background: The conflict in Donbas began in 2014 with the declaration of independence by pro-Russian separatists. Since then, the region has been plagued by violence and instability, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The Russian advance into Ukraine has been condemned by the international community as a "clear breach" of international law. Additional Perspectives: "The situation on the ground is dire," said a spokesperson for the Ukrainian government. "We're doing everything we can to support our people and protect them from harm." "This conflict is not just about Ukraine or Russia; it's about the future of Europe and the world," said a European Union official. Current Status: The White Angels' mission to evacuate Bilozerske continues, with more than 100 civilians already evacuated. The Russian advance into Ukraine shows no signs of slowing down, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The international community remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. *Reporting by Bbc.*