Residents of the Kherson region have been urged not to ignore the danger and to be prepared for evacuation
Alexander Prokudin, head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, urged residents of the region not to ignore danger warnings and to take steps to ensure their own safety in advance. According to him, in wartime, even the most advanced defenses cannot fully protect critical infrastructure from Russian attacks.
The head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration emphasized that the authorities must speak openly with the public about potential threats so that people can prepare in advance.
“I believe it is necessary to tell adults the truth. Not to scare them. Not to shift responsibility onto someone else. And certainly not to sow panic. But because I respect you and consider you my partners in the fight for the survival of the Kherson region. When we see a potential threat, our task is not to pretend it doesn’t exist. Our task is to warn people in advance, prepare, and work together to do everything possible to minimize the consequences,” Prokudin stated.
According to him, Russian troops are effectively destroying about 80 settlements in Ukraine, while another 200 or so are under constant shelling.
Prokudin noted that the situation with Russian troops approaching Kherson is the most difficult, yet the city’s critical infrastructure continues to function despite constant attacks.
“In Kherson, the situation with the enemy’s advance is the most difficult. But at the same time, the city’s critical infrastructure has been operating for nearly four years—despite daily attempts by the Russians to destroy it. This is the result of systematic work and protection. Without exaggeration, this system is one of the most effective in Ukraine today. At the same time, we must understand the main point: we are living in a state of war. And even the most advanced defense system cannot guarantee that a Russian missile will not hit the facility it is protecting,” the head of the Regional Military Administration noted.
He emphasized that warnings about potential problems with the energy sector do not mean that power outages are inevitable. The military, energy workers, utility workers, gas workers, medical personnel, rescue workers, police, and local government officials are responsible for ensuring the region’s stable operation every day.
The head of the Regional Military Administration stressed that the authorities can strengthen defenses, build up reserves, and restore damaged infrastructure, but it is impossible to predict exactly where Russia will strike next.
“We can strengthen defenses, build up reserves, and repair damage. But we cannot know where the enemy will strike next. That is why I ask you to do the most important thing—do not ignore the danger. If there is a recommendation to evacuate—evacuate. Do not listen to those who try to portray such decisions as some kind of ‘betrayal’ or a desire to ‘escape’ from the Kherson region. For me, the Kherson region, just as it is for you, is my home. And I want this place to be full of life, not empty streets. I am doing everything possible—and even the impossible—to make that happen. Just like the thousands of people who are working here despite the daily danger,” Prokudin urged.
According to Prokudin, the authorities are exploring the possibility of temporarily relocating residents of the Kherson region to resorts and other locations in safer regions of Ukraine.
The plan is to help people find jobs, enroll their children in schools and preschools, and adapt to their new communities.
Separately, the authorities are considering additional financial support for families for whom moving and renting housing is a significant burden.
“During this time, people will be helped to find jobs, enroll their children in schools or kindergartens, and adapt and integrate into their new communities. We also understand that for many families from the Kherson region, moving to another city is a serious financial burden, especially when it comes to renting housing. Therefore, we are exploring the possibility of providing additional support to people in this area,” he added.
Prokudin assured that he would do everything possible to ensure that the Kherson region remains a livable place.
“And it’s up to each of us to do the rest—to take care of ourselves, our children, and our loved ones, not to ignore warnings, and to help one another. We don’t need panic. We need maturity, mutual aid, trust, and shared responsibility. We will survive. But most importantly, we must survive alive,” the head of the Regional State Administration concluded.
Prokudin made this statement in an address on Monday evening.
On the night of September 1, Russia launched a massive attack on Odesa and the Odesa region. The enemy used loitering munitions, conventional and rocket-powered drones, as well as other high-speed targets.
Over the past 24 hours, on August 31, Russian troops carried out 981 strikes on 57 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region. Two people were killed and eight others were wounded as a result of the enemy attacks.
Earlier, Russia attacked a facility in Novhorod-Siverskyi.
As a reminder, one person was killed and eight were wounded in a massive attack on the Kyiv region.
Russia also launched a massive missile attack on Kyiv overnight, resulting in fatalities.
