Refugees from Debaltseve escape the fighting while Grad missile systems head to the front on February 5, 2015. Fighting continues between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists in and around the important rail hub. The humanitarian situation has become dire as thousands have fled the shelling, while many more are trapped. Residents use all manner of vehicles, driven by volunteers, to get out of the area.
Refugees from Debaltseve escape the fighting while Grad missile systems head to the front on February 5, 2015. Fighting continues between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists in and around the important rail hub. The humanitarian situation has become dire as thousands have fled the shelling, while many more are trapped. Residents use all manner of vehicles, driven by volunteers, to get out of the area.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
Wounded residents have poured into the local hospital for treatment during the prolonged fighting for control of Debaltseve. More than 540 were injured in the final three weeks of January.
Wounded residents have poured into the local hospital for treatment during the prolonged fighting for control of Debaltseve. More than 540 were injured in the final three weeks of January.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
An elderly woman received medications from volunteers who go around the town providing supplies to the 3,000 remaining Debaltseve civilians in the area. Some seniors are so old they remember the horrors of World War II, such as a woman who stayed inside her apartment for two weeks, simply lying on her bed.
An elderly woman received medications from volunteers who go around the town providing supplies to the 3,000 remaining Debaltseve civilians in the area. Some seniors are so old they remember the horrors of World War II, such as a woman who stayed inside her apartment for two weeks, simply lying on her bed.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
Residents jam a minivan for transport out of the besieged town. Each day, volunteers from all over Ukraine risk their lives to bring food and badly needed supplies.
Residents jam a minivan for transport out of the besieged town. Each day, volunteers from all over Ukraine risk their lives to bring food and badly needed supplies.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
Locals wait in line for buses that will get them out of harm's way. "The city infrastructure is increasingly devastated," said a spokesman for the Ukrainian military.
Locals wait in line for buses that will get them out of harm's way. "The city infrastructure is increasingly devastated," said a spokesman for the Ukrainian military.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
Most Debaltseve residents have fled to government-controlled towns, but many of the elderly remain.
Most Debaltseve residents have fled to government-controlled towns, but many of the elderly remain.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
A few residents board a bus to escape the fighting. The road leading to nearby Artyemovsk is a very dangerous route because of shelling by separatists.
A few residents board a bus to escape the fighting. The road leading to nearby Artyemovsk is a very dangerous route because of shelling by separatists.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
A Debaltseve family has taken refuge in an underground bunker because of the constant shelling. About one third of the houses in the town have been hit by artillery.
A Debaltseve family has taken refuge in an underground bunker because of the constant shelling. About one third of the houses in the town have been hit by artillery.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
Underground bunkers provide a source of protection from artillery fire.
Underground bunkers provide a source of protection from artillery fire.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
Residents desperate for food wait their turn. Only an estimated 3,000 remain from a city that normally has 25,000 residents. Pro-Russian forces have been attempting to encircle the city from the north.
Residents desperate for food wait their turn. Only an estimated 3,000 remain from a city that normally has 25,000 residents. Pro-Russian forces have been attempting to encircle the city from the north.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
City Hall was targeted by separatist forces shelling the center of town February 9.
City Hall was targeted by separatist forces shelling the center of town February 9.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
A grandfather was killed by a shell that struck his Debaltseve residence. At least 224 people were killed in the final three weeks of January, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights said last week. The numbers may actually be higher.
A grandfather was killed by a shell that struck his Debaltseve residence. At least 224 people were killed in the final three weeks of January, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights said last week. The numbers may actually be higher.
Jonathan Alpeyrie
A weary and wary woman takes refuge from near-constant shelling.
A weary and wary woman takes refuge from near-constant shelling.
Jonathan Alpeyrie