The Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine has initiated an official investigation into the state health camp 'Artek' in Zakarpattia. The intervention by state authorities was prompted by mass complaints from parents of children from Vyshneve, who were sent for rest following a Russian strike on the city.

The situation escalated on social media, where parents published shocking photos and descriptions of the living conditions their children found themselves in. Official Kyiv has confirmed the start of the investigation.

Context: evacuation of children from the combat zone

The health program was launched on an emergency basis following the Russian Aerospace Forces attack on Vyshneve on July 6. As a result of the strike, about 300 residential buildings were damaged, 90 of which are deemed beyond repair. To distract children from traumatic events and ensure their safety, authorities organized their transfer to a camp in Zakarpattia.

A total of 110 children from the community were sent to the camp. The organization of the program was undertaken by the Ministry of Social Policy, the State Service for Children, the Kyiv Regional State Administration, and the local authorities of Vyshneve. Initially, it was promised that the children would receive five meals a day, psychological support, and engage in sports and creative activities.

"Hair in food and mold in rooms": what parents are writing

However, the reality the children faced turned out to be far from the promises. Local resident Nyka Horunzha was the first to publish evidence of violations. According to her, the conditions were so unacceptable that her 17-year-old sister had to be taken out of the camp early.

A list of complaints regarding sanitation and living conditions appeared on social media:

  • Foreign objects, including hair, were found in the food.
  • Furniture in the rooms was damaged, and towels were dirty.
  • Bathrooms have not been repaired for a long time; mold and fungus were detected in rooms and bathrooms.
  • Only two bedside tables for personal belongings were available for 12 children.
  • There was a shortage of showers and toilets, and hygiene products were distributed irregularly.

In addition to domestic problems, parents expressed dissatisfaction with the organization of leisure time. Children complained about an excessively strict regime: a long "quiet hour," lights out at 21:30, and a ban on moving independently around the territory. The camp also lacks a library and board games, making the children's free time boring and limited.

Collective appeal and authorities' reaction

In Vyshneve, a petition drive for a collective appeal began, which was placed at Lyceum No. 2. Parents emphasize that their goal is not to find culprits, but to verify whether the conditions correspond to state funding. The document requests an assessment of food quality, sanitary conditions, the availability of hygiene products, and the observance of pedagogical ethics by camp staff.

Separately in the appeal, parents thanked the employees of the social protection service, noting that there are no complaints regarding their work. Despite the fact that Nyka Horunzha deleted her initial post with the complaint, the situation has already received wide resonance.

Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity Denys Ulyutin confirmed that the inspection has already begun. It is being conducted by the National Social Service of Ukraine.

"Artek" is a state institution participating in the health program funded by the budget. Therefore, the ministry will strictly control the quality of services. The results of the inspection will be announced after its completion. The interests of children are our unconditional priority," Ulyutin stated.