Ukraine: “Our country is being bombed from all sides”, lament Greeks from Mariupol

It was just before 05:00 (Greek time) on Thursday, when Russian President Vladimir Putin - confirming the information leaked earlier by US intelligence - announced that he had ordered a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"I have decided to launch a military operation," he said in an emergency televised address, with the first explosions in Donetsk, Kiev, Kharkiv, Mariupol and other cities coming minutes later.

"Our country is being bombarded from all sides," described to in.gr Eleni Dombra, vice president of the Hellenic Associations of Mariupol, where the Greek element is strong.

The residents woke up scared to the sound of explosions, however they try to keep their composure. In fact, at the moment, there are many who refuse to leave Mariupol, although one can not know what could happen.

"We are fine, but not safe," said Dobra. "God help us, we try to keep our composure."

It is noted that the separatists control - at least until today - areas around the cities of Donetsk and Lugansk respectively and up to the Russian border to the east. The rest of Donbass, almost 50% of its territory, is still under the control of the Ukrainian army.

These areas controlled by the Kiev government include Mariupol, home to a large Greek community of about 120,000 people. The city of Mariupol itself was founded by Crimean Greeks in the late 18th century along with 23 pure Greek villages.

Evacuation plan

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the need to protect the Greek community in Ukraine, with Athens standing by the Greek community and adapting its plan for the safe transfer of those who request it depending on developments.

The recommendation that remains to the Greek citizens is not to travel to Ukraine at the...