Ukrainian children are forcibly evacuated from Sloviansk. Russian forces are 20 kilometers from the border and are intensifying fighting
Ukrainian authorities have begun the mandatory evacuation of children from areas most exposed to attacks in Sloviansk, one of the main cities still under Kiev's control in the Donbass region. The measure comes against the background of the deterioration of the security situation.
Russian forces advanced slowly to the north and east of the city. PHOTO: Getty Images
The governor of the Donetsk region, Vadim Filashkin, announced on Telegram that he signed an order for “mandatory evacuation of children from certain areas of Sloviansk, the most vulnerable to enemy attacks”, according to information reported by Reuters.
The decision of the authorities comes in the context in which the Russian forces advanced slowly in the north and east of the city, reaching approximately 20 kilometers from its outskirts, in several points of the front.
Sloviansk is part of a series of Ukrainian-controlled towns in the Donetsk region, described by authorities as a “belt of fortresses” urban. Ukrainian officials argue that this defensive line could allow for the long-term defense of the region.
However, the risks to the civilian population have increased significantly in recent months. The expansion of the use of drones and the increase in their range have turned areas 10-20 kilometers from the front line into extremely dangerous spaces.
The Donetsk region is part of Donbas, a strategic area rich in coal resources and heavy industry, considered by Moscow a major military objective in the conflict in Ukraine.
