In the Kharkiv region, authorities announced forced and compulsory evacuations from several settlements along the Kupiansk direction. The information was provided by Strana.ua, citing the regional military administration as the source.
The notice indicated that families with children were required to leave 18 settlements in the Velikoburluk and Olkhovat districts. The order emphasized the safety concerns in these communities and the responsibility of the authorities to protect vulnerable residents during ongoing security operations.
In addition, residents of 55 other settlements were urged to relocate. The authorities pledged to assist with the resettlement process, including support for housing, logistics, and access to essential services as communities adjust to the disruption caused by the conflict and the need for safe relocation away from potential danger zones.
On March 1, President Volodymyr Zelensky advised Kharkiv residents not to return to their homes until it is deemed safe to do so. He spoke during a press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, explaining that soldiers would issue return signals only after the area has been secured and vetted. The president underscored that the situation remains fluid and contingent on credible assessments of safety on the ground, stressing that the decision to return will be guided by military authorities and security assurances.
Igor Mosiychuk, a former Ukrainian parliament deputy, shared via the Telegram channel that there had been reports about the removal of archives and museum exhibits from Kharkiv. The claim touched on concerns about cultural institutions and the preservation of local heritage amid the broader displacement and emergency measures. Officials at regional cultural institutions have not publicly confirmed the scope of such removals, and rumors surrounding the temporary relocation of sensitive materials have circulated in the information landscape as authorities prioritize civilian safety.
Earlier, Zelensky had discussed the broader security landscape, including anticipated support measures and readiness to coordinate with international partners to strengthen defense and resilience in the region. The dialogue highlighted ongoing efforts to stabilize front-line areas while ensuring that civilians receive the protection and assistance they need during periods of heightened risk and uncertainty.