Shevchuk: Half of Kyiv region Can survive winter blackouts, all will be well
The UGCC head believes this winter could be the harshest in Ukraine’s modern history, but Kyiv residents will learn to live without electricity, water, and heating.
UGCC head Sviatoslav Shevchuk is optimistic about the coming difficult winter. He believes that more than half of Kyiv and the surrounding region could survive even if centralized electricity, water, and heating systems are destroyed. He made the remarks in an interview with the Polish Catholic Information Agency (KAI), published on the UGCC’s official website.
According to Shevchuk, the coming winter could be the harshest not only since the start of the war but in Ukraine’s entire modern history, with the capital remaining the primary target of attacks. Nevertheless, he is confident that residents will not leave Kyiv.
“We already know that probably more than half of the Kyiv region will be able to survive if centralized electricity, water, and heating supplies are damaged. This means people will not leave Kyiv. They are already taking measures, learning how to survive, help one another, and prepare properly for winter. Last year’s experience is also helping,” Shevchuk assured.
The UGCC head said that Greek Catholics have already prepared their patriarchal cathedral and archeparchial center in Kyiv for winter. Both facilities have their own water supply, rooftop solar panels, and independent heating systems. According to Shevchuk, residents of apartment buildings and private homes have been visiting to learn how to prepare for a situation in which the city can no longer provide water, electricity, or heat.
Shevchuk also argued that shortages of heating and electricity would be less dangerous than a loss of mutual trust within society.
“I am confident that we will get through this winter and that everything will turn out for the best,” the UGCC head concluded optimistically.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Shevchuk had boasted about Kyiv residents dancing in the streets despite having no heating.
