The eastern Ukrainian town of Debaltseve has been under siege for weeks as military forces trade fire with pro-Russian separatists. Civilians are taking shelter in their basements as shells land close by. With little hope of a cease-fire, many residents are fleeing the town with the help of military servicemen and volunteers. (Photos by Petr Shelomovskiy for RFE/RL's Current Time TV program)
Tearful Good-byes As Residents Evacuate Ukrainian Town
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A woman cries as she watches her relatives prepare to be evacuated from Debaltseve.
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Civilians wait on board a bus to flee the town, which has been caught in the cross-fire of the conflict.
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A serviceman talks to a civilian during efforts to help residents leave.
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A Ukrainian army officer helps an elderly woman onto a bus leaving Debaltseve.
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A serviceman helps residents carry their belongings as they prepare to leave the town.
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A man drinks tea next to his apartment building. Houses and other buildings throughout the town have been damaged or destroyed by shelling.
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A woman cooks over an open fire. Electricity, gas, and water supplies have been cut off.
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Maria, 81, lies in bed at her home. She cannot walk and is unable to leave the town, in spite of government efforts to help civilians flee.
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A woman cries in front of the destroyed city council building.
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People wait for evacuation assistance at the damaged city council building.
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A Ukrainian soldier guards a checkpoint outside Debaltseve.
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Ukrainian army servicemen
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People board a bus to leave the town.
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With no electricity or gas at their homes, residents cook over a small fire.
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A boy stands in the ruins of his apartment building.
