The evacuation of children and their families from the village of Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka in Donetsk region continues due to the ongoing threat of shelling. According to Yevhen Hubaryov, the chief inspector of the prevention department of the Kramatorsk district branch of the State Emergency Service of Donetsk region, 276 minors currently need to be evacuated. A forced evacuation was announced on May 16, and rescuers together with the police conduct daily patrols to help families with children relocate to safer areas.
Olena, a local resident, plans to leave with her three children within a week. They have already started packing and found accommodation near Kramatorsk. According to her, the departure was planned even before the forced evacuation was announced, as the village is under constant shelling. Olena also mentions that along with her family, they are taking 11 cats they have sheltered after their owners abandoned them. They used to have dogs as well, but those were given to volunteers.
Rescuers and police regularly visit addresses where families with children live. In the past 24 hours, 15 such addresses were checked. Some residents do not open the doors but call to inform that they have already left. The State Emergency Service staff emphasize the importance of evacuation and offer free transportation in armored vehicles, providing personal protective equipment such as bulletproof vests.
Local residents share their impressions of the constant explosions and drone flights over the village. Nina, who moved to her daughter’s place due to the shelling, admits that at first she was not afraid, but now suffers from headaches and fears returning home, as their house has been shelled twice already.
Other residents, Oleksandr and Valentyna, express hope for peace and a ceasefire. They note that hiding in the basement has become dangerous due to the risk of collapse, so they are waiting for a truce that will allow them to live without fear.
The frontline is located just 11 kilometers from Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka, making the situation extremely dangerous. Despite this, 276 children still remain in the village and urgently need evacuation and assistance.
