The city of Sloviansk has expanded its mandatory evacuation zone for families with children, according to Vadym Lyakh, head of the local military administration. This decision, which includes the neighborhoods of Slovkurort, Cherevkivka, and Khimik, was approved by the Coordination Headquarters for Evacuation Measures under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Lyakh announced on social media on June 9 that the measure is a necessary precaution, citing three children injured in recent days. As of early June, approximately 366 children reside in the affected neighborhoods.
Law enforcement agencies have begun preparatory work for the evacuation, engaging with families who are required to leave and providing necessary information and clarifications.
Earlier this month, Radio Liberty’s Donbas Realities project reported that Russian airstrikes on central Sloviansk and extensive bombardments in Kramatorsk have led to an increase in the number of residents wishing to leave these areas in Donetsk. Alexander Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, identified the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration as one of the key and most active frontlines by the end of May.
Sloviansk is located approximately 14 kilometers from the frontline. Analysts from the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted in late May that Russian forces are attempting to advance towards the city using small infantry infiltration tactics. The ISW also reported that Russian military operations have targeted supply routes connecting Sloviansk with Kharkiv, as well as civilian infrastructure within the city itself, primarily using various types of drones and guided bombs.
According to the local military administration, around 45,000 civilians remain in Sloviansk.
The Sloviansk military administration has expanded the mandatory evacuation zone for families with children due to increased attacks. The decision follows recent injuries among children and aims to ensure safety amid ongoing military operations in the region.