Available shelters can accommodate only 43% of Ukraine’s population - Interior Ministry

Usable shelters make up 77% of the total number of those available in Ukraine. They can accommodate 43% of Ukraine's population.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, said this on the air of the national telethon, Ukrinform reports.

"The numbers are really disappointing. Only 77%, which is 47,000 shelters, are ready to receive citizens and perform their functions. Respectively, 23% are absolutely unprepared for this... Only 43% of our population can take shelter in these 77% suitable shelters," he said.

The government official recalled that the inspection checked shelters from June 1 to June 10.

According to the minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Police, and State Emergency Service have prepared a register of all shelters with photos, videos, and the names of responsible officials.

In addition, the minister noted that the Security Council also discussed safety at public transport stops and around shopping malls as well as a number of other issues aimed at the maximum preservation of people's lives and health, starting with air raid alert sirens and ending with shelter location signs.

As Ukrinform reported, after the death of three people in Kyiv due to the lack of physical access to a shelter during an enemy strike, President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered a full audit of all shelters in the capital and throughout the country.