In Ukraine’s Pokrovsk, some quietly waiting for Russian troops

Residents of Pokrovsk remain defiant in the face of Russian invasion, refusing to flee despite increasing danger and propaganda.

Walking through the deserted streets of Pokrovsk as Russian troops inch closer and closer every day, Galyna said she was not worried about the prospect of occupation.

She was making her way home as artillery echoed in the distance, before the beginning of the 3 p.m. to 11 a.m. curfew that authorities in the eastern Ukrainian city imposed due to increasing shelling.

“I’m not scared. Why should I be?” the 53-year-old said.

“We are not going anywhere. This is our homeland... I’m for peace,” said Ms. Galyna, who did not want to give her family name citing fears of retaliation.

She is one of thousands of frontline residents who refuse to flee, frustrating evacuation teams trying to save their lives.

Civilians are running out of time to evacuate Pokrovsk, according to authorities who estimate the population has whittled down in a month from 48,000 to around 16,000.

People delay their departure for many reasons: some are too attached to their homes and jobs, while some are discouraged by past experience of displacement.