Klitschko urged Kyiv residents to consider temporarily leaving the capital
Kyiv finds itself in conditions where, due to the intensification of Russian attacks, the issue of ensuring the city's vital functions becomes a matter of survival. Residents of the capital who have the opportunity to temporarily stay with relatives or friends outside the city are advised to consider this option in case the situation worsens further.
This was stated by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko in an interview with AFP, published on October 8 by France 24.
According to the mayor, Russian forces have significantly intensified strikes on the Ukrainian capital. Residential buildings, transport and energy infrastructure are under attack, and the consequences of the shelling are increasingly affecting the daily lives of Kyiv residents.
"Today it is about survival," — Klitschko emphasized.
The mayor noted that reports of destruction, injuries and deaths as a result of Russian attacks come in almost daily.
Russia has changed the tactics of strikes on Kyiv
In recent weeks, Russian troops have begun to more actively attack not only energy facilities and residential areas of the capital, but also key transport connections between the left and right banks of the Dnieper.
In particular, strikes were carried out on bridges that provide communication between the two parts of the city. Infrastructure damage led to traffic restrictions, massive traffic jams and disruptions in public transport.
Klitschko stressed that the possibility of free communication between the banks of the Dnieper is one of the most important conditions for the normal functioning of Kyiv.
According to him, city authorities are considering alternative modes of transport communication, including the organization of temporary pontoon crossings.
In addition, Russia has begun to use drones for attacks more often during daylight hours. This increases risks for residents who are at work, using public transport or moving around the city.
Electricity supply, heating and water are under threat
One of the main problems ahead of winter remains the state of energy infrastructure.
Russia has resumed intensive strikes on power grids and other facilities on which the supply of electricity and heat to the capital depends.
As a result of equipment damage, emergency power outages are already occurring in Kyiv.
In particular, on October 8, due to problems with electricity supply, the movement of trains on the Kyiv Metro was temporarily halted. Disruptions also affected the water supply system.
According to Klitschko, damage to water supply infrastructure could lead to a large-scale crisis if Russian strikes continue.
Such a scenario poses a particular danger in the cold season, when prolonged power outages can complicate the operation of heating, water supply and sewage systems.
Kyiv is preparing reserve systems and supplies for winter
City authorities are already taking measures to ensure the capital's vital functions in conditions of possible prolonged outages.
According to the mayor, Kyiv is creating reserve heat supply sources, accumulating fuel, food and drinking water supplies.
Such measures should allow utility services and critical institutions to continue operating even in the event of damage to main energy facilities.
At the same time, Klitschko acknowledged that the city's infrastructure capabilities are not unlimited.
He stressed that even thorough preparation will not be able to fully protect the capital from the consequences of large-scale strikes if the air defense system fails to cope with Russian missiles and drones.
"No matter how well we prepare, if air defense does not work, we could end up in a bad scenario," the mayor warned.
Authorities urge residents to consider the risks
Against the backdrop of the worsening situation, Kyiv residents are advised to plan in advance for possible actions in case of prolonged absence of electricity, water and heating.
One of the options considered is temporary stay outside the capital with relatives or friends, if such an opportunity exists.
At the same time, this does not mean the announcement of mandatory evacuation of the population or a decision to completely stop the city's operations.
Kyiv continues to function, and utility and emergency services are working to eliminate the consequences of Russian attacks.
The main task of the city administration is to maintain the functioning of critical infrastructure, ensure the safety of residents and prevent large-scale disruptions in the operation of life support systems in winter.
Based on materials: France 24, Kyiv City State Administration.
