The authorities in 16 regions have announced their readiness to receive children from Belgorod and the Belgorod region, including the Shebekinsky and Grayvoronsky districts, following shelling reported by Ukrainian forces. This information was conveyed by Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region, who stressed that the response is coordinated at the regional level to ensure the safety and well-being of affected families. In his briefing, the governor outlined a concrete plan to relocate a total of about 7,500 children from Belgorod to partner regions while continuing to assess the evolving security situation on the ground.
According to Gladkov, on Friday, March 22, the first cohort of children from Belgorod and the Grayvoronsky district is slated to be relocated to Penza, Tambov, and Kaluga. He noted that subsequent batches would be organized and sent to various regions by the close of the week, with the aim of distributing risk and providing access to resources and safe housing for families displaced by the crisis. The governor emphasized that the process is designed to be orderly and voluntary, built around the needs and parental decisions of the families involved.
Gladkov added that the authorities from the four municipalities of Belgorod, Belgorodsky district, Shebekinsky district, and Grayvoronsky district are coordinating a streamlined procedure. He explained that all parents seeking relocation should reach out to local administration offices, school principals, or teachers to initiate the request. Once a request is made, dedicated organizers will assemble sending groups and ensure the necessary arrangements for travel and accommodation are in place, reflecting a structured approach to regional support during the emergency response.
The governor described the ongoing effort as a large-scale resettlement operation within multiple villages, noting that the plan envisions moving a substantial number of children away from their home communities to reduce exposure to ongoing hostilities. He indicated that the current objective is to relocate approximately 9,000 children across Belgorod, Belgorodsky district, Shebekinsky district, and Grayvoronsky district, while continuing to monitor developments and adjust plans in response to the situation on the front lines and in neighboring regions. This strategy is being carried out in close cooperation with regional authorities and educational institutions to minimize disruption to schooling and to ensure access to essential services in host communities.
Previously, the Belgorod region had already entered a vacation period for schoolchildren, a measure taken to align with broader security considerations and to protect students during times of heightened risk. The current mobilization represents a shift from temporary breaks to a proactive relocation program aimed at safeguarding children while maintaining continuity of care, education, and welfare across affected areas. The coordinated approach underscores the region’s commitment to safeguarding young residents and providing clear pathways for families seeking safety and stability amid ongoing tensions in the border area.