Russian Forces Launch Coordinated Strike on Kremenchuk
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russian occupying forces executed a large-scale combined strike on Kremenchuk in Poltava region during the night of June 29. The attack targeted key infrastructure, as stated by city mayor Vitaliy Malevsky, reports 24brussels.
Information has surfaced indicating that 30 children under the age of four remain in the Kremenchug Specialized Children’s Home, which lacks adequate shelter. Experts suggest that with no protection available at the facility, arrangements should be made to evacuate the children, at least for rehabilitation in Zakarpattia.
Volodymyr Kogut, the acting head of the Poltava Regional State Administration, reported in May the development of project and cost documentation for constructing a shelter at this children’s home. However, he did not specify a timeline for completing the necessary approvals to commence construction.
Local media remind that on January 30 of this year, representatives of human rights organizations and the Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner identified “egregious violations of children’s rights” at the Kremenchug Specialized Children’s Home. The commission noted that staff members had been humiliating the children and using derogatory language, labeling them as “disabled” and telling them that “no one will adopt them.” Additionally, it was reported that over 90% of the home’s funding is allocated for utility bills and staff salaries rather than the needs of the children.
More than 90% of children in institutions are not orphans. However, the system continues to hold on to children instead of assisting their families. By September 2025, traditional children’s homes are slated to be phased out in Ukraine. This raises questions about what changes will truly benefit the children and whether communities are prepared to assume this responsibility.
