Koretsky calls appeals to leave Kyiv for winter an “extreme measure” and points to vulnerable category of citizens

Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky has called appeals for residents of major cities, including Kyiv, to leave for the winter period an “extreme measure.”

He made the statement in an interview with TSN on the “Yedyni Novyny” telethon on September 27.

Koretsky paid particular attention to people with limited mobility, who, he said, cities need to account for in advance.

“Leaving is already an extreme measure… Well, for example, there are people with limited mobility or disabilities. Why shouldn’t relatives or city social services — in the capital in particular — take care of these people? I spoke about this with the mayor. Their exact number is known. Surely this issue can be resolved before winter sets in?” — Koretsky said.

The prime minister added that an alternative place of residence should be found for such people, and assured that Kyiv is already working on this issue. Koretsky also said that he personally always factors in the “worst-case scenario” when assessing winter preparedness.

Previously, the prime minister stated that Ukraine is better prepared for the current winter than for the last one. At the same time, he acknowledged that Russia has also built up its capabilities, having stockpiled jet-powered drones and missiles.

On September 12, UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo stated that Ukraine faces its “hardest winter” since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which could turn into a humanitarian catastrophe in the event of further massive attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure.

On September 23, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia also faces a difficult winter in the event of strikes on Ukraine’s energy system.