Evacuation Crisis in Donetsk Oblast
As of June 24, 2026, roughly 135,000 civilians remain in Ukrainian-controlled areas of Donetsk Oblast. Among them, 533 elderly or disabled individuals living alone and with limited mobility have flatly rejected evacuation offers, while another 168 are considering leaving only if the security situation deteriorates sharply. Since Russia's full-scale invasion began, over 1.394 million people have already evacuated, including more than 210,000 children and 47,500 people with disabilities.
Of the 701 isolated, low-mobility individuals under social supervision, 533 are categorically refusing to leave, and 168 are weighing their options. Within this second group, 58 have relatives in safer regions who are actively urging them to evacuate and are prepared to host them.
According to Dmytro Pozharskyi, 'Out of 701 people, 533 are flatly refusing to leave, while 168 are deliberating and might depart if the security situation sharply worsens. Among those 168, 58 have relatives in safer areas who are also persuading them to evacuate and are ready to take them in.'
Despite efforts by family members and social workers, many of these vulnerable individuals remain in place. Pozharskyi added: 'Unfortunately, they stay—even their own relatives cannot convince them... But we still ask all family and friends to keep urging these people to agree to leave, to save what is most precious—their lives.'
Local authorities have repeatedly called on residents of frontline settlements to relocate to safer regions. Decisions on mandatory evacuations are made based on military command assessments and the evolving border situation. Notably, out of the 135,000 civilians still in government-controlled parts of Donetsk Oblast, roughly 14,800 live in settlements classified as active combat zones.
Humanitarian Crisis in the Region
The evacuation situation in Donetsk Oblast underscores the severity of the humanitarian crisis, especially among vulnerable groups. The refusal of isolated, low-mobility individuals to leave may stem from fear, a sense of hopelessness, or a failure to grasp the gravity of the current threat. At the same time, the appeals from local authorities and relatives highlight the critical role of social support and communication during emergencies.