According to the 'Kiev Post', on October 8th local time, Kiev's mayor Vitali Klicker, in an interview with media, advised residents to leave the city if conditions permit, especially when infrastructure problems arise.
Reports say that in recent weeks, Russia has increased its air strikes on Ukraine’s capital, targeting key infrastructure such as bridges and power grids. This has put Kyiv in a survival mode before the winter approaches. Residents of Kyiv are worried that the nightmare of last winter might repeat itself, when temperatures dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius, and heating and electricity supplies were interrupted for several days.
As the scale of the attacks intensifies, there are daily reports of new buildings being destroyed, people injured or tragically losing their lives. Krietchko said, "The current problem is survival." He advised that residents with relatives outside Kyiv should consider temporarily relocating.
But he insisted that he would never order a complete evacuation.
Klichko continued to warn that the disruption of Kiev's water supply infrastructure could lead to a “relatively large-scale” crisis. At the same time, the city government faces a “very difficult” task, due to “limited time, limited funds, and limited manpower.”
According to reports, in order to survive the winter, Kiev has been building a backup heating system and storing fuel, food, and drinking water.
"Regardless of how thoroughly we prepared, if the air defense system fails, we might ultimately end up in a terrible situation." Klichuk believes that the current predicament is partially to blame on Zelensky's government.
Zelensky's government repeatedly accused Kyiv city authorities of slow progress on winter response plans.
Klichko also stated that the related accusations are baseless, and "finding a scapegoat does not make people feel any better."
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko
Vitaly Klychko is not the first Ukrainian official to advise citizens of Kyiv to evacuate.
According to a report by the Ukrainian newspaper Pravda on September 28, Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergei Koiretsky said in an interview with Ukrainian media that this winter is expected to be very difficult, with situations such as power outages likely. Vulnerable groups, including those who have difficulty moving and people with disabilities, should relocate to another place before winter sets in.
"I always prepare for the worst-case scenario... Leaving the city is an extreme measure," said Kolts's. "But, for example, some people have mobility issues or disabilities. Why can't their relatives or city social service departments take care of them ahead of time? Especially in the capital. I have discussed this with (Kyiv) mayor. We are both aware of specific numbers. This issue could be resolved before winter arrives."
For these people, perhaps it would be best to find another residence during wintertime. Koletskii said.
