The Situation in Druzhkivka
Russian aircraft continue to carry out airstrikes on the frontline town of Druzhkivka, dropping guided aerial bombs. Police units known as 'White Angel' are actively evacuating children from dangerous areas. So far, they have managed to rescue a boy named Oleksandr. According to military correspondent Ruslan Smeshchuk, six Russian Su-type aircraft were observed attacking the city with UMPK bombs within a 15-minute period. As of now, 16 children remain in Druzhkivka. This town, located in the Donetsk region, has faced intense bombardment as the front line has shifted.
Legislative Changes
On February 10, 2026, Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed draft law No. 12353. This legislation establishes a mandatory evacuation procedure from areas of active hostilities. The law provides for the forced evacuation of children without parental consent. Decisions on evacuation are made by military administrations based on proposals from military command and in coordination with the Coordination Headquarters. Evacuations can be general or partial for specific population categories, which include:
- Children
- People with disabilities
- Elderly citizens
Ruslan Smeshchuk describes the situation in Druzhkivka: 'Explosions. Not craters, but mini-craters from the blasts. The rattle of FPV drone rotors overhead and attempts to shoot them down.'
Amid the danger, police search for children, 'returning fire from drones and then moving to a new address. Searching. People around are shivering - no, they haven't seen them. A kind of haze,' the correspondent notes. After successfully evacuating Oleksandr, he remarks: 'Such a handsome boy. His mother decided to get Oleksandr out of this hell herself. I hope the life that already owes this boy will pay back in full - and that he will live long and happily.'
The situation in Druzhkivka remains tense, and police continue their critical mission of rescuing children under hazardous conditions.
The events in Druzhkivka illustrate the complexity and peril faced by local residents in a war zone. The importance of evacuating children and vulnerable groups is underscored by the newly passed law, which enables forced evacuation. This reflects the authorities' growing concern for civilian safety in conflict areas and the necessity for a rapid response to threats arising from the war.