Some Armenians Leaving Donetsk, but Majority Prefer to Stay

Amid the unfolding events in Ukraine, some Armenians residing in Donetsk have expressed a desire to leave, but the majority prefer to remain. This was noted by Vahagn Matevosyan, the head of the Donetsk regional representation of the Union of Armenians of Ukraine, in an interview with Armenpress.

“We actually prepared an evacuation plan weeks ago. Armenians who expressed a desire to leave Donetsk region have already left. There are people who wanted to go but did not have transportation; we supported them in this regard. I must say that a large group prefers to stay in Donetsk; they do not wish to leave their homes,” said Vahagn Matevosyan.

He informed that, as in various parts of Ukraine, there are long queues at banks, ATMs, and pharmacies in Donetsk. People are unable to withdraw their money. Queues are also forming at gas stations. “Gunfire can be heard in the city; it is felt that heavy artillery is operating, but I would find it difficult to provide detailed information at the moment. I can only say that there are no injuries among Armenians,” said Vahagn Matevosyan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the decision to launch a special military operation in Donbas. He stated that the Donbas people's republics have appealed for assistance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced martial law across the entire country.