On January 23, 2015 DPR forces launched an offensive on the city. The main goal of this offensive was an encirclement of the Ukrainian forces and a formation of the "Debaltseve pocket". When the sides started to exchange fire the city was cut off electricity, heating and means of communications. Local residents had to hide and stay in shelters for a long time. Even before the final assault public utilities were already not working in the city. Early February Ukrainian authorities evacuated civilians from the city.