“Sane, law-abiding” people should evacuate Artyomovsk immediately, the deputy prime minister in Kiev urged Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Irina Vereshchuk has warned civilians who remain in the contested frontline city of Artyomovsk to leave immediately. The official expressed surprise at the thousands of people reportedly still in the area as the battle rages.

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The 16-meter banner was torn in half by strong winds, officials in Kiev have said A storm in Kiev has torn Ukraine’s largest flag in half, city officials reported on Monday. The national symbol was damaged despite being lowered to half-mast in an attempt to protect it from the strong winds.