Donetsk region expands forced evacuation of children from parts of Kramatorsk

The Donetsk Regional Military Administration has decided to expand the zone from which children must be evacuated by force from parts of Kramatorsk, Ukrainska Pravda reported on 11 October 2026.

According to the report, the decision extends mandatory evacuation of children to additional areas of the city. The source does not say which neighbourhoods are covered, how many children are affected or by what date they are expected to leave.

Support promised at every stage

Vadym Filashkin, head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, said people would be accompanied at every stage of the process. He said this would cover departure from the city, arrival at a reception centre and subsequent accommodation in safer regions of Ukraine.

What "forced evacuation" means

In Ukrainian practice, mandatory or "forced" evacuation of children from frontline areas means that minors must leave the danger zone. They normally travel together with their parents or legal guardians. The term does not describe children being separated from their families.

Background

Kramatorsk is one of the largest cities in Donetsk region still under Ukrainian control. Together with neighbouring Sloviansk, it forms part of the main urban area of the region that remains under Kyiv's control. Both cities have faced growing Russian pressure and regular strikes.

The Ukrainian authorities have carried out evacuations from frontline communities in Donetsk region for several years. They have said these are meant to protect civilians, children in particular, as shelling and air attacks come closer to residential areas.

RealUA could not independently verify the details of the decision. The regional administration's full order, including the exact boundaries of the expanded zone, was not part of the source material. This article will be updated if further official information is published.