The Ukrainian government has announced an evacuation programme for civilians living in and around the town of Debaltseve.<br /><br /> The important railway transport hub is the scene of heavy fighting between the Ukranian army and separatist forces.<br /><br /> Around 20,000 people have been trapped in the crossfire and shelling and the casualties continue to mount.<br />In Kyiv Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk announced the evacuation plan:“Last night I instructed the State Emergency Service to immediately remove people from Debaltseve. There are now a total of six buses involved. They are constantly under fire. When they see that we are getting people out, they start shelling. Fortunately no-one has been injured yet.”<br /><br /> Volunteers from the capital are travelling to Debaltseve to assist in the operation.<br /><br /> On Friday the United Nations voiced concern about the deteriorationing humanitarian situation in the town.
