Ukrainian minister urges civilians to evacuate Kherson region to facilitate deoccupation

20.06.2022 22:00

Ukrinform

Inhabitants of Kherson region should take advantage of the opportunities provided by the occupiers to leave in order to facilitate the counteroffensive by the Ukrainian Army aimed to deoccupy the region.

Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, made the statement during a briefing at the Ukraine-Ukrinform Media Center.

Vereshchuk stressed that the residents of Kherson region, especially families with children, should take up the opportunities for departure provided by the occupiers as it will speed up the deoccupation of the region by the Ukrainian military.

Read also: Invaders detain, beat men in Kherson region

"Please, go because our Army will definitely deoccupy these lands. Our will to do so is unwavering. And it will be very, very difficult to open a humanitarian corridor when there are children there. It was difficult in Mariupol, and in Kherson region it will be even harder. Because the enemy learns, becomes even more cynical, and uses human shields, especially children. We will know that there are children there, and we will be powerless, and we really don't want that. Believe me, deoccupation will be very fast. There will definitely be a counteroffensive," Vereshchuk said.

At the same time, she called for the civilians to not refuse from traveling via the temporarily occupied Crimea, as well as "sham" IDs issued by the invaders, assuring that the Ukrainian government would not prosecute them for this.

"They will not break the law if they leave the temporarily occupied Crimea. We know that today it is almost the only humanitarian corridor available, if it can be called this way, which can be used to leave. So, if possible, get out of there, especially if you have children. As soon as you enter the territory of third countries – the European Union or any other state – reach out to our consulate or find an opportunity to call us. Even without any ID on you, all countries will let you in. If necessary, we will prepare the documents and hand them over to the consulate near you,” Vereshchuk said.

As Ukrinform reported, Iryna Vereshchuk called on Ukrainians leaving the temporarily occupied territories to call the 1548 and 1648 hotlines to get help in returning to the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities.