Ukrainian officials urge Kherson residents to leave via Crimea

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According to Vereshchuk, residents of Kherson Oblast, especially families with children, shouldn’t rule out leaving the region via Russia-occupied Crimea.

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“Please leave, since our army is sure to liberate these lands,” said Vereshchuk.

“Our determination there is rock-solid,” Vereshchuk said. “It will be very difficult to establish a humanitarian corridor, with all the children around. I know how challenging that was at Mariupol, and will be even more difficult near Kherson. The enemy adapts, and will be even more ruthless, using civilians as human shields, especially children… Believe me, liberation will be swift. The counteroffensive will launch as soon as we are able to do so.”

The deputy PM added that people can leave through Crimea, using fake Russia-issued IDs. Ukraine won’t prosecute anyone for using these “documents,” as it’s virtually the only way to flee the area.

“Leave, if you can, especially if you have children,” Vereshchuk said.

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“As soon as you arrive in third-party territory – the EU or some other country – ask Ukrainian consulates for help, or find a way to call us. Any country will let you in even without documents. Should the need arise, we will issue you with new IDs and send them to a consulate near you.”