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Transcript/ScriptWASHINGTON WEEK AHEAD
HEADLINE: Pope Francis Calls for Peace as Fighting in Ukraine’s Bakhmut
Intensifies
TEASER: Zelenskyy condemns escalation of Russian attacks killing civilians
PUBLISHED AT: 03/13/2023 at 4:05 pm
BYLINE: Veronica Balderas Iglesias
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE:
VIDEO EDITOR: Marcus Harton
SCRIPT EDITORS: caw, Page
VIDEO SOURCE (S): Agencies, see script for others
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:30
VID APPROVED BY: mia
TYPE:
EDITOR NOTES:
TRT:
UPDATE: Radio Tracks for Reversioning Included
((TV INTRO))
[[From the Vatican, Pope Francis sent a message of solidarity with Ukraine as the
Russian attacks in the city of Bakhmut and other regions intensified. VOA’s Veronica
Balderas Iglesias looks at the logistic challenges Ukrainian forces are still facing on
the battlefield.]]
((VIDEO: AFP V000_33AY8ZY))
((Mandatory cg: Source: AFP/Ria Novosti/Don’t obscure logo))
((NARRATOR))
The Russian paramilitary group Wagner announced new gains in the fight for the city
of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine over the weekend. What looked like images of
destroyed buildings and mercenary assault teams on the ground, which VOA can’t
independently verify, were also released by the Russian news agency Ria Novosti.
((VIDEO: AP 4423674 Ukraine War Artillery))
Ukraine’s forces are feeling the pressure, a Ukrainian paratrooper identified only as
Mikhail told The Associated Press.
((VIDEO: AP 4423674 Ukraine War Artillery-SOT#5))
((Mikhail, Ukrainian Paratrooper))
“It’s hard to defend the Bakhmut stronghold because a lot of enemy forces are
concentrated here. And also, the weather is not allowing us to use vehicles. It’s too
muddy.”
((VIDEO: AFP V000_33AZ6MH))
((NARRATOR))
Despite the challenges, the soldiers cannot afford to lose focus, added a commander
with the 44th brigade with the call sign “Gray.”
((VIDEO: AFP V000_33AZ6MH SOT #4))
2
((“Gray,” Ukrainian Commander))
“We have a lot of work to do, no breaks, any time of the day. We work at night if they
call us.”
((VIDEO: AFP V000_33AZ6MH-Images of people residents cleaning after
shelling))
((NARRATOR))
The Russian attacks have taken a heavy toll on civilians, said Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as he addressed his nation.
((VIDEO: AP 4423724 Ukraine War Zelenskyy Address-SOT #1))
((Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine))
“Missiles and artillery, drones and mortars. The evil state uses different weapons but
with one goal in mind: To destroy life and leave nothing human.”
((VIDEO: AP 4423666 Ukraine War Firefighters))
((NARRATOR))
Civilian injuries and the destruction of homes with missiles and cluster munitions
were also reported by the Ukrainian police in the city of Kostiantynivka, west of
Bakhmut.
((VIDEO: AFP V000_33AY8Z4))
((NARRATOR))
In the southern province of Kherson, three people were killed in the shelling. Galyna
Kolisnyk said the attack happened while she was shopping.
((VIDEO: AFP V000_33AY8Z4))
((Galyna Kolisnyk, Kherson Resident))
“Explosions started, our car was damaged, people were hurt. And we were in the
store just at that time.”
((VIDEO AP 4423775 Vatican Pope Ukraine))
Amid the latest escalation of violence, Pope Francis reiterated a call for peace.
((Pope Francis))
"Let's stay united in faith and solidarity with our brothers who are suffering because
of the war. And, above all, don’t forget the martyrized Ukrainian people."
((NARRATIVE))
The message of solidarity was heard by thousands of people who had gathered in
St. Peter’s Square to participate in the Sunday prayers.
((Veronica Balderas Iglesias, VOA News Washington.))
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