The UN convoy has reached the vicinity of Soledar. Participants described what they saw. "Place of Desolation"

Our colleagues in Ukraine have just reached the government-controlled areas near the village of Soledar. This is the first interagency convoy to arrive there since the beginning of the war. (…) Recent fighting in and around Sołedar has caused widespread destruction, leaving people there in dire need of humanitarian aid, Jens Laerke of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs told journalists.

Three trucks with food, water, hygiene products and medicines for about 800 people were sent to the Soledar area. Humanitarian aid was sent from the Dnieper. The goods were supplied by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration and the World Food Programme.

“Although we have reached areas located 12 km from Soledar, supplies will also be delivered to residents of municipalities located 5 km from the city” – informs the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in a communiqué.

“Our colleagues who traveled in the convoy tell us that the surrounding towns have been badly damaged and not enough help has reached them. According to residents we spoke to, groups of volunteers support the civilian population, but the needs to exceed the capabilities of the assistance provided” – adds the office.

Participants in the convoy described the area they passed through as “a place of desolation” and “empty and heavily militarized cities with few people left, mostly elderly.” In addition, there are sharp increases in prices at local markets. According to the UN, the prices of basic products have tripled. Jens Laerke assured that the UN is trying to increase the number of humanitarian aid convoys to towns and villages near the front line.

The UN sends the first batch of humanitarian aid to Soledar

Soledar remains a place of intense fighting. The Russians announced that they were occupying the city. The Ukrainian side denies and claims that the fighting for the city continues.

According to British intelligence, Ukrainian forces have established a new line of defense to the west of the city. This is to prevent an attack on nearby Bakhmut, encirclement of local troops and the loss of this important strategic point lying on an important supply line.

The capture of Soledar by the Russians could be a prelude to an attack from the north on Bakhmut, which the Russians failed to capture by direct assault in early September. The best mercenary units from the so-called Wagner groups, heavy equipment and snipers.

Military analysts point out that the fierce battles for Soledar and Bakhmut have not only military, but also propaganda significance for Russia. Capturing a large city in the Donetsk region would boost the morale of the Russians and would make it possible to announce any success on the Ukrainian front.