Kyiv denies preparation of evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents in winter

Kyiv authorities do not plan a mass evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents of the capital in the event of problems with heating and other utilities in winter. Instead, the city is preparing targeted support for people who will not be able to cope on their own with the consequences of prolonged outages.

This was stated by Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration Maryna Khonda. According to her, Kyiv is preparing for various scenarios of the heating season, including prolonged interruptions of electricity, heat, or water as a result of Russian attacks.

Currently, city services are clarifying data on residents who, due to age, health status, or other circumstances, may need additional assistance. First and foremost, this concerns lonely elderly people, people with disabilities, children with disabilities, and certain families.

How many people are ready to temporarily relocate

According to the Kyiv City State Administration, slightly more than 1.3 thousand lonely elderly residents have already said that they are ready to temporarily relocate if necessary. The same consent was given by about 400 children with disabilities and 500 people with disabilities.

However, these numbers may change during the heating season. The Kyiv City State Administration stressed that temporary relocation is possible only with the consent of the person themselves or their legal representative and is not an evacuation.

For most vulnerable residents, the authorities are considering the possibility of providing assistance directly at their place of residence. This may include delivery of food and warm kits, organization of meals and transportation, as well as additional visits by social workers.

Kyiv City State Administration denies reports of "evacuation of 200 thousand Kyiv residents"

Khonda called reports about the city preparing for the "evacuation of 200 thousand Kyiv residents" incorrect. According to her, it is about preliminary preparation for possible crisis situations and targeted assistance to specific individuals.

The experience of last winter showed that not all residents agree to leave their homes even when such an opportunity exists. The Kyiv City State Administration reported that there were more than 3 thousand cases of refusal of temporary relocation, despite the provided place and transport.

Therefore, the city is now finding out in advance whether potentially vulnerable residents have relatives or acquaintances to whom they could move, and what kind of assistance will be needed from city services.

At the same time, district administrations are preparing places for temporary stay of residents. After they are equipped, the Kyiv City State Administration promises to separately report the number of available places and accommodation conditions.

Earlier, Kyiv has already started compiling lists of residents with limited mobility who may need assistance during prolonged absence of heating. At that time, the city administration also emphasized that no decision on mandatory resettlement of residents had been made.

Based on materials from: Kyiv City State Administration