Near the front line, Pokrovsk residents live in extreme conditions

Since the beginning of the war, the church in Pokrovsk, located in eastern Ukraine, has always been spared. An exception, because in this city, almost everything has been destroyed. Houses, schools and hospitals have been crushed by Russian bombs. A war to which those who chose to stay have become accustomed. “I’m not afraid”confides a resident. The front is nevertheless very close.

The Russians are now less than 10 kilometers from Pokrovsk, a strategic lock in their conquest of Donbass. The city could fall at any moment. “We constantly hear the noise of fighting. I have no choice but to stay”explains a man. Getting supplies is always risky. Few shops are still open. Pokrovsk lives under curfew 20 hours a day. A month ago, 50,000 people lived in this mining town. Today, there are only 10,000 left to brave the war. The others have left for safer areas.