Battle for Donetsk causes misery for impoverished Ukrainians

(Vatican Radio) Ukraine's government said on Monday its forces were preparing for the final stage of recapturing the strategic city of Donetsk from pro-Russia separatists, after making major gains that have divided rebel forces and added to misery of those unable to flee.

Regional correspondent Stefan Bos reports: 

Kyiv said the army had cut off Donetsk from the other main rebel-held city, Luhansk, on the border with Russia. We are working to liberate both cities but it’s better to liberate Donetsk first,” explained Andriy Lysenko, a government spokesperson.

But the final battle for Donetsk means more suffering for those who were unable to flee to neighbouring Russia or other areas in Ukraine. Impoverished women are among those hiding in bomb shelters.

"We are hiding from the bombs," an emotional woman said. "The grenades are flying around our ears. It's horrible how many people have already died in Donetsk."

Another woman, sitting in the bomb shelter, said she lacked the resources to leave Donetsk. "I can't go anywhere. You need money and means for that," she said. "Rich people already left in February and March. But those who cannot leave are now here.”.

Amid ongoing deadly clashes, Kyiv said Moscow had attempted to use a humanitarian aid mission of the Red Cross to invade eastern Ukraine with "peacekeepers".

The NATO military alliance claims Russia has some 20,000 combat troops near Ukraine's border. However the alliance has warned Moscow that it supports Ukraine's military and increased its presence in neighbouring NATO member states.  Russia denies supporting the rebels.