War has forced millions of people to flee their homes, leaving behind everything they once knew.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, some regions have become nearly uninhabitable due to constant shelling and military operations.
For many, the decision to leave is not an easy one, but staying behind can be even more dangerous.
Authorities in Donetsk Oblast have announced the forced evacuation of families with children from over 20 settlements due to intensified Russian attacks.
300,000 civilians still in the area
Governor Vadim Filashkin stated that the order is necessary to protect civilians as Russian shelling has increased in the region.
Efforts to evacuate civilians from Donetsk Oblast have been ongoing for months, particularly during the summer and fall, when Russian forces escalated their offensive in eastern Ukraine.
Despite these measures, more than 300,000 civilians are believed to still be living in Ukrainian-controlled parts of the region.
The new evacuation order primarily affects the communities of Komar and Kryvorizhzhia. According to officials, 76 children remain in Komar, while 34 are still in Kryvorizhzhia. In total, the evacuation mandate will apply to over 100 children.
Filashkin urged parents to take the evacuation order seriously, emphasizing the danger posed by the ongoing attacks. He stressed that children should not have to live in constant fear, hiding from artillery fire and missile strikes.
Some of the settlements included in the evacuation plan are located less than 15 kilometers from Pokrovsk, a city that has been at the center of intense fighting in recent weeks.
Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly called on civilians to leave frontline areas to prevent further casualties. While many have already fled, some families remain reluctant to leave their homes.
