Compulsory evacuation of children begins in Sloviansk. Kyiv still expects first tranche of 90bn euro loan despite Hungary veto. What we know on day 1,487
Ukraine has begun the compulsory evacuation of children from the city of Sloviansk, in a sign the security situation is deteriorating in one of the country’s main remaining strongholds in the Donbas area. Russian forces have been slowly advancing to the north and east of Sloviansk and are about 20km (12 miles) from the edge of the city at various points along the frontline, Reuters reports. Sloviansk is one of several towns and cities that remain under Ukrainian control in an urban “fortress belt” in the eastern region of Donetsk, which comprises part of the Donbas. Russia sees control of the entire Donbas, known for its coalmines and heavy industry, as its key military goal. Ukraine still controls just under a quarter of the Donetsk region.
Ukraine is still expecting the first tranche of a 90bn euro ($103bn) loan from the EU next month, despite a failure to break Hungary’s veto of the funding this week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday. EU leaders were unable to convince the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, on Thursday to lift his blockade of the loan, which is crucial for Ukraine to maintain its fight against Russia. Zelenskyy said he had discussed the matter with the EU leaders and trusted they would find a solution.
