Forced evacuation begins in ten more settlements in Donetsk region

Mandatory evacuation of children is now being carried out in ten more settlements of the Donetsk region, including the city of Dobropillia and nine surrounding villages, where 928 children currently reside.

Vadym Filashkin, head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, announced this on Facebook, according to Ukrinform.

"We are beginning the forced evacuation of families with children from the city of Dobropillia, and the villages of Hannivka, Novyi Donbas, Rubizhne (Dobropillia community), as well as the villages of Dobropillia, Nadiia, Novokryvorizhzhia, Novomarivka, Novofedorivka, and Raksha (Kryvorizhzhia community). Approximately 928 children are currently living in these settlements," Filashkin wrote.

He explained that the decision was made today, July 24, during a meeting of the Donetsk Regional Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergency Situations.

Filashkin instructed local authorities and heads of relevant departments within the regional administration, together with law enforcement, to urgently coordinate and carry out the evacuation, and to ensure appropriate living conditions for the families in safer areas of Ukraine.

"I will say it again: remaining in the Donetsk region is extremely dangerous. Evacuate while it is still possible! Protect your loved ones — don't put their lives at risk!" the regional governor said.

The mandatory evacuation of children, together with parents or legal guardians, from the Donetsk region began on April 7, 2023.

Photo: sumyrayrada.gov.ua