Ghost city

Civilian life on the edge of Russia’s advance

- Luke Harding

For months, Serhiy Gorbunov has been trying to persuade residents of Chasiv Yar, Russia's current target in eastern Ukraine, to leave. "People are living underground in basements," he said. "We tell them: 'Please go." They answer with excuses. Most say they don't want to abandon their homes. We try to help but they refuse."

Gorbunov heads the city military administration in Kostiantynivka, the nearest functioning city to the frontline. That is 12km from his office, reached via a road that climbs up to the heights of Chasiv Yar. The Russians, who have been besieging the town for over a year, have now reached its outskirts and are trying to surround it.

If Chasiv Yar falls, the Russians will be able to use its hilltop position to batter the key remaining Ukrainian-controlled cities in the Donetsk region: Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Druzhkivka and Kostiantynivka.

Most of Chasiv Yar's apartment blocks have been damaged and video shows an apocalyptic scene. The Russians attack continuously. Incredibly, 680 civilians remain in the town. Others hang on in neighbouring villages.

Gorbunov said he was sure Ukraine's armed forces would be able to defend Chasiv Yar and prevent an advance on Kostiantynivka.