Avdiivka: Ukraine's Devastated Abandoned City

Russian troops have made their way into the heavily damaged town of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, after months of intense fighting. The remaining civilians have been fleeing the town in larger numbers as the attacks persist. Avdiivka has been a battleground since 2014, serving as a gateway to the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk. Previous attempts by Russian troops to advance into the town have failed. However, recent reports from residents and volunteers indicate that the Russian troops have seized several streets in the southern part of Avdiivka. The town's population has dwindled from over 30,000 to just over 1,000 residents, with many fleeing or losing their lives in the conflict. Despite the constant bombings and dire living conditions, some residents choose to stay and not be evacuated due to fear of uncertainty in a new location. Those who remain are unlikely to be motivated by political views. The fighting has intensified, prompting more people to leave, including those who are wounded or in need of urgent medical care. Those who have evacuated speak of their relief and shock as they experience scenes of normalcy for the first time in years. The journey out of Avdiivka is often perilous, as shells and rockets continue to rain down on the town.