The mandatory evacuation of families with children continues in the Donetsk region, yet a significant number of residents have failed to leave the dangerous territories. As of now, 1,746 children from 1,580 families remain in 15 settlements across four territorial communities of the region. This was stated by Yulia Ryzhakova, head of the children's affairs service at the Donetsk Regional State Administration, as reported by Ukrinform and RBC-Ukraine.
Geography of Those Remaining: Slovyansk and Kramatorsk Communities
The highest concentration of minors who have not left the combat zone is recorded in the Slovyansk territorial community, where 1,234 children from 1,203 families are still located. The Kramatorsk community ranks second in terms of the number of remaining children, with 484 children from 360 families staying in the evacuation zone. Thus, these two administrative entities account for the bulk of non-evacuated families, whereas in the other two communities covered by the mandatory order, the number of remaining residents is significantly lower.
Dynamics of Forced Evacuation in October
According to the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, 452 children from 403 families were forcibly evacuated from the region over the past week. In total for October, the figure reached 761 children from 610 families. The official emphasized that the mandatory evacuation of children with their parents continues, while not all residents are ready to voluntarily leave their homes, which necessitates the implementation of forced measures.
Expansion of the Mandatory Evacuation Zone
On October 22, a forced evacuation of families with children was announced from all settlements in the Kramatorsk and Slovyansk territorial communities in the Donetsk region. In addition, the regional military administration decided to expand the mandatory juvenile evacuation zone to certain areas of the city of Kramatorsk. This decision aims to reduce risks for children located in close proximity to the frontline.
Context: Why Evacuation is Mandatory
The transition to a forced evacuation procedure is linked to the assessment of military threats in the frontline districts of the Donetsk region. Amid ongoing shelling and active combat operations, regional authorities believe that the voluntary nature of evacuation does not provide a sufficient level of protection for minors. Therefore, since late October, the mandatory departure of families with children has been formalized by decisions of the regional military administration and is implemented on a forced basis.
