Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov has publicly called for the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population from Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, citing the growing threat from Russian drone systems. According to him, this concerns primarily those categories of residents unable to ensure their own safety: children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. According to the my.ua portal, a similar call for the immediate evacuation of civilians from frontline settlements was voiced by soldier Serhiy Hnezdilov, who stressed that these cities are strategic targets for the Russian offensive.
Call for mandatory evacuation
Butusov noted that there is currently no direct threat of Russian troops entering Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, and the situation in this direction is being controlled by the Defense Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, according to his assessment, the Russian side is systematically increasing the number of unmanned aviation units, including long-range drones, and intensifying airstrikes on the cities. "Every day, Russian drones kill civilians in these cities. Therefore, it is about gradually implementing an operation to move people out," the journalist stated.
Growing threat from drones
Butusov paid special attention to the fact that some residents are delaying evacuation in the hope of an improvement in the security situation. He warned that, subsequently, leaving the city could become significantly more dangerous due to high Russian drone activity on roads and in roadside areas. According to him, civilians who refused to leave often die when it is too late to be rescued, and the Russian side, by his assessment, strikes people and transport.
Priority for those unable to ensure their own safety
The journalist suggested prioritizing the evacuation of those who cannot take care of themselves. He drew attention to the fact that due to Russian attacks on medical and social service vehicles, as well as damage to communication systems, such residents risk being left without necessary aid. Separately, Butusov emphasized the need to evacuate minors from settlements subject to intense shelling: "The state must evacuate all minors from such zones that are under heavy enemy fire. This must be done, undoubtedly, in a mandatory manner."
Decision rests with the Staff
In Butusov's opinion, the issue of mandatory evacuation should be submitted to the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. He expressed hope that a responsible leader would be found to make efforts to save civilians from the war zone. Thus, the call is not for a one-time measure, but for a gradual, state-level organized operation to evacuate the most vulnerable population groups.
Context: expansion of the evacuation zone
Recall that the Donetsk Regional Military Administration recently decided to expand the mandatory evacuation zone for children from certain areas of Kramatorsk. This decision has become practical confirmation that the issue of removing vulnerable categories of residents from frontline cities is already moving into the plane of administrative decisions at the regional level amidst ongoing airstrikes.
