In divided Luhansk, residents have lived in the shadow of conflict for years. But now the shells are getting louder and closer
aisa Malashenko was trundling her rusty bicycle, laden with bags of food, through the centre of Stanytsia Luhanska on Saturday afternoon. The 81-year-old did not flinch as booms of artillery sounded in the distance.UkraineLike many older people in eastern Ukraine, Malashenko said she missed the Soviet period, and said she blamed the Ukrainian army and Kyiv’s western backers for the current escalation. But she also said she was terrified of a Russian invasion.
In the past week, however, the explosions have been more intense than any time in the past few years, and the targets have apparently been residential areas and even schools. A Ukrainian soldier inspects damage caused by a shell fired by pro-Russian separatists in the village of Novoluhanske yesterday.There, authorities called for an evacuation to Russia on Friday – supposedly in advance of a Ukrainian attack but more likely as a pretext for Russia to launch a strike.
“It’s very important for everyone to understand that it’s the Russian Federation that’s behind this. We have no offensive plans … and Ukraine does not want a war,” said Ukraine’s deputy prime minister Iryna Vereschuk, who addressed journalists from inside the kindergarten on Thursday.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boris Johnson says Russia waging 'biggest war since 1945' amid rising tensions in UkraineUnited Kingdom Prime Minister Boris John has claimed that should Russia invade the Ukraine, the Kremlin would be waging the "biggest war since 1945".
Read more »
History shows markets rebound after a crisisThe threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked volatility across sharemarkets, but it may not be as bad as investors fear.
Read more »
Australia will not provide military support to Ukraine, Morrison saysPrime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia would assist its allies and partners in 'many' ways but would not send troops to Ukraine as he warned an invasion by Russia was 'imminent'.
Read more »
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ‘unfolding in plain sight’, top official saysWestern leaders are accusing Russia of orchestrating a fake attack to justify invading Ukraine, after fighting broke out in the country's east. GreenhalghSarah Read more: 7NEWS
Read more »
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is unfolding in plain sight, top official saysThe US says Russia was laying the groundwork to justify starting a war and preparing to launch an attack on Ukraine in the coming days, urging Moscow to change course at a tense United Nations Security Council meeting. 7NEWS
Read more »
Students in Ukraine receive military training in preparation for possible conflict | 7NEWSAs tensions rise between Russia and Ukraine, 7NEWS Europe Correspondent GreenhalghSarah visits a high school in Lviv where students are receiving military training in preparation for a possible invasion by Russia. Camera: 7_Cannon 7NEWS
Read more »