As tensions in Ukraine reached a peak, Luhansk People’s Republic leader Leonid Pasechnik and Donetsk People’s Republic leader Denis Pushilin called on residents of the region, which unilaterally declared independence, to flee to Russia. “I invite the residents of the country who do not have a mobilization order and social life support to go to Russia as soon as possible in order to prevent casualties in the civilian population,” said Luhansk leader Pasechnik in a statement.
In continuation of his statement, Pasechnik said, “Russia is ready to accept the inhabitants of the Luhansk People’s Republic.” Pasechnik also invited anyone in his country who could use weapons to resist. Denis Pushilin, the leader of the Donetsk People’s Republic, stated in a statement, “Ukraine’s President, Vladimir Zelensky, will soon issue an order to the army to launch an offensive in order to carry out the country’s plan to occupy the territory of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. The enemy’s armed forces are in combat readiness and prepared to seize Donbass by force. For this reason, a mass exodus of people to Russia has been planned since February 18, ” he stated.
Following the statements made by the leaders of the Donbass Region, warning sirens heard in all of the region’s cities. Following the explanations and sirens that caused panic among the people of Donbass, the people of the Donbass Region started preparations to leave their homes.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitriy Peskov said, “I don’t know, I don’t have any information,” regarding the news of the evacuation in Donbass.