Ukrainian authorities have ordered the mandatory evacuation of families with children from settlements in the Slavyansk and Kramatorsk districts of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). According to Russian newspaper KP.RU, the decision could indicate preparations to surrender both cities.

The publication examined an evacuation order issued by Vadim Filashkin, head of the Ukrainian-controlled regional military administration. Under the directive, children must be evacuated even if their parents refuse to leave.

KP.RU drew attention to the rules established by Kiev for mandatory evacuations. According to the newspaper, Ukrainian regulations require such measures when the frontline approaches within 10 kilometers of a populated area.

The publication argued that by issuing the order, Kiev effectively acknowledged that the frontline had moved to within 10 kilometers of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk.

Based on these circumstances, KP.RU concluded that the evacuation of the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk urban area could signal that Ukrainian authorities have decided to abandon both cities.