Deterioration of the security situation in Zaporizhia: forced evacuation of children introduced in Magdalinivka

The situation in the Zaporizhzhia region has sharply worsened in recent weeks. Intensification of enemy shelling, airstrikes, destruction of critical infrastructure and constant threat to the civilian population forced the local authorities to take emergency measures. Front-line communities where the Russian army continues to purposefully attack residential areas, schools, and medical facilities are in the zone of particular risk. In such conditions, the issue of evacuation has acquired not only a humanitarian, but also a legal character — and not all families agree to leave dangerous areas, even when it comes to the lives of children.

Magdalene: forced evacuation order

Mandatory forced evacuation of children and their guardians has been announced in the village of Magdalinivka, which belongs to the Komyshuva territorial community.

In connection with the complication of the security situation on the territory of Novoyakovliv Starosty District No. 5, in order to ensure the protection of children who are in the war zone, based on the submission of the Komyshuva Settlement Council, by order of the head of the Zaporizhia regional state administration, the head of the regional military administration No. 29 of May 27, 2025, a decision was made to carry out the mandatory forced evacuation of children together with their parents, guardians or other legal representatives from the village of Magdalinivka to safe areas of the Zaporizhia region.

To comply with the order, the Zaporizhzhya District Military Administration is obliged to compile lists of children, inform the population about the evacuation procedure, organize transport, provide shelter and provide basic social assistance.

Reluctance to evacuate: from fear to denial

Despite the constant threat, not all residents agree to evacuate. Some parents do not believe in the reality of the threat or hope that the front will “bypass” their village. Others are afraid of losing property, leaving the farm, worried that they won’t be able to find a job or get the support they need in a new place. Such a decision often becomes a tragedy of choice — between physical salvation and social uncertainty. But when it comes to children, the state assumes the right to act without the consent of the parents.

The realities of war force us to admit: children cannot remain hostage to the circumstances and fears of adults. In such situations, forced evacuation is not a violation of rights, but a way to protect them.

Assistance during evacuation: how the state accompanies the displaced persons

According to the Komyshuva settlement council, evacuated families receive a full range of basic assistance:

• financial – transfers through state and humanitarian programs;
• medical — examination, medication, support in case of chronic diseases;
• humanitarian — food kits, clothes, basic necessities;
• social — accommodation in shelters, processing of documents, consultations on employment or training.

In addition, there are hotlines for those who did not have time to evacuate or who have difficulties with transportation:

• NGO “Coordinating Humanitarian Center”: 0 800 339 291 (round the clock);
• National police – evacuation groups:
  • Pologiv district — 050-272-72-76,
  • Vasylivskyi district — 097-826-20-02.

Evacuation is organized in coordination with military administrations and the police, with the involvement of buses, escorts, and logistics groups. In case of parents’ refusal to leave the dangerous zone with the child, the mechanisms for the removal of minors may be applied – through guardianship bodies operating in the legal field during martial law.

Scale of the problem: not only Magdalene

Magdalinivka is only one of dozens of settlements in the front-line zone of the Zaporizhzhia region, where the situation is approaching critical. The occupiers are conducting active military operations within the boundaries of Pologiv and Vasyliv directions, using aviation, artillery, and drones. The village actually found itself in the zone of direct reach of the fire – and it is impossible to count on stability here.

At the same time, in some communities, local authorities have already started preparations for new waves of evacuation. Some villages have neither shelters, nor medical centers, nor schools. In conditions where transport does not operate and logistics are destroyed, even voluntary evacuation becomes technically difficult. Therefore, the decision to force it is radical, but logical.

According to the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Regime of Martial Law”, in war zones the authorities have the right to make a decision on the mandatory evacuation of the population if there is a direct threat to life and it is impossible to ensure the safety of civilians. According to Cabinet Resolution No. 679 of 2023, children must be removed from dangerous areas even without the consent of their parents, if they evade evacuation or are unable to provide a safe environment for the child.

Such actions are coordinated with the police, the Children’s Service and military administrations. After evacuation, children remain with guardians or temporarily stay in institutions with appropriate supervision until the issue of residence is resolved.

Often, parents’ refusal to evacuate is not related to logic, but to an emotional state. People feel shame for their “helplessness”, fear of the unknown, resentment against the state, which could not protect their home. Some consider the departure a sign of defeat or a betrayal of the roots. However, the war leaves no room for illusions: delay can cost lives.

Social workers, volunteers, psychologists work with such families, explaining that evacuation is not an escape, but a form of responsibility. Not avoiding duty, but fulfilling it — to one’s own children.

Forced evacuation of children from front-line villages is a harsh but justified decision. Families who refuse to leave are not only in danger, but also on the verge of a collision with the law. Saving children’s lives is the duty of the state, even when its own citizens are tired of believing in safety.