Blackout for the whole winter? Who Koretskyi advises not to wait for problems and to secure alternative housing in advance

Ukrainians with limited mobility are advised to arrange alternative accommodation in advance

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28 Sep 2026

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Ahead of the winter of 2026–2027, certain categories of Ukrainians are advised to plan an alternative place to stay in advance in case of prolonged power outages. This primarily concerns people with limited mobility and persons with disabilities, for whom staying in apartment blocks during extended blackouts can create additional difficulties.

On 27 September 2026, Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi said this in an interview on “TSN.Week”. He stressed that a mass exodus from cities is not being considered a necessary step, but families of people with limited mobility and social services should take care in advance of those who may find it difficult to move independently during prolonged outages. According to the prime minister, the situation may be especially difficult for people living on upper floors of high-rise buildings. If elevators stop working due to a lack of electricity, a person with limited mobility may require outside assistance.

Serhiy Koretskyi noted that during large-scale attacks emergency services may be simultaneously engaged in responding to shelling damage. Therefore, in his view, it is better to resolve the issue of helping people who need extra attention before an emergency begins. The prime minister also said he discussed this issue with the mayor of Kyiv. According to him, the number of people who may need such assistance is known, and the relevant services are already working with them.

“Leaving is really an extreme measure. But, for example, there are people with limited mobility or with disabilities. Why not take care specifically of these people — their relatives or the city’s social services, including the capital’s,” the prime minister noted.

Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi advises such categories of people to find an alternative place to stay for the winter in advance. At the same time, the head of government assured that the Resilience Plan is being implemented. According to him, in 2026 Ukraine increased generating capacity and prepared more backup power for critically important facilities. At the same time, it is impossible to fully protect all infrastructure from Russian strikes, especially given the use of ballistic missiles.

“It is impossible to protect everything. Ballistics are generally quite difficult. But the conclusions from last winter, the lessons from last winter, are bearing fruit and we are preparing for this winter significantly better,” the prime minister assured.

At the same time, Serhiy Koretskyi emphasized that threats remain high. Russian forces are changing and improving their tactics, so it is impossible to fully predict how the next winter will unfold.

“It certainly will not be easy, but we have no other scenario, we have no other option,” summed up Koretskyi.

Meanwhile, Ukrainians themselves are assessing the risks of the winter period. According to a survey by OLX Real Estate, 17% of respondents already plan to change their housing in the winter of 2026–2027 due to possible interruptions in electricity, heating, or water supply. Another 23% are considering such an option but have not yet made a final decision.

According to this survey, the factors most likely to ultimately influence the decision to move are a deterioration in the security situation and an increase in attacks, as well as damage to current housing.

Для Mykolaiv the issue of preparing for prolonged outages also remains relevant. In early September, command-and-staff exercises were held in the Mykolaiv region, during which services rehearsed actions in the event of prolonged power loss, in particular the operation of heating, water and electricity supply systems, hospitals and other facilities where people stay around the clock.

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