Thousands of people in the conflict-torn regions of Ukraine have fled the ongoing violence to neighboring Russia.

According to Press TV, several towns in eastern Ukraine have suffered daily shelling and violent clashes between the Ukrainian army and pro-Russian forces in recent weeks.

Media reports say at least 5,000 people had fled the conflict zone by Thursday evening.



Footage from one border crossing in the eastern Lugansk region shows cars packed up with stuff, forming very long lines at the crossing. The border crossings between Russia and Ukraine are busy as a ceasefire in Ukraine’s east is drawing to an end.

The rush also comes as the weeklong truce, which has been in force since June 20, will expire on Friday.

MG