The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a policy enabling the forced evacuation of children from areas defined as active combat zones. The announcement appeared on the Telegram channel operated by the Ministry for Reintegration, which oversees issues related to displaced persons and territorial integrity.
The ministry clarified that the only location currently meeting the criteria for the active hostilities zone is Artyomovsk, known in Ukrainian as Bakhmut. This designation centers on ongoing military operations and security concerns affecting civilian safety in the area.
Under the new framework, mandatory evacuations are authorized through a formal process. Regional military administrations must decide to evacuate, with these decisions developed in coordination with military command bodies and the coordinating headquarters responsible for carrying out the evacuation. The ministry described this as a structured, joint decision involving several levels of government and military leadership.
Children can be evacuated if one parent or an eligible substitute caregiver is present during the process. A refusal by parents or guardians to evacuate a child is not permitted within the scope of this policy, reflecting the priority given to child safety in crisis conditions.
The policy also references past measures related to population movement administered by regional authorities. It notes parallel efforts to relocate residents from affected cities and to reassess the use of housing in areas where military operations are active, a measure aimed at ensuring resources and security for both residents and the armed forces involved in the conflict.
Observers indicate that decisions of this kind are part of broader emergency response plans designed to protect children and families while maintaining logistical support for defense operations. The framework emphasizes careful coordination among regional officials, military leaders, and emergency response agencies to execute evacuations with minimal disruption to civilians and without compromising humanitarian considerations.
In summary, the policy marks a formal step in coordinating mandatory child evacuations from zones of active combat. It highlights the role of regional administrations and military command structures in implementing protective measures while acknowledging the complex realities of war, displacement, and ongoing security concerns across the country.