Russia Evacuates Civilians From Parts of Ukraine Ahead of Kyiv Counteroffensive

KYIV, Ukraine—Russian-installed officials ordered civilians in 18 occupied communities near the front line to evacuate as both sides appear to be bracing for a widely expected Ukrainian offensive. 

Yevgeniy Balitsky, the Russian-installed head of occupied parts of Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region, said the evacuation was needed to “strengthen security,” amid an uptick in Ukrainian attacks. The city of Enerhodar, next to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, is among the communities being evacuated.