Approximately 60,000 residents continue to live in Kherson, Ukraine, enduring daily threats from Russian attacks, according to regional officials. Alexander Prokudin, head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, shared these details during an international summit focused on cities and regions.
Prokudin noted that the population in Kherson has remained relatively stable over the past three years, with many residents choosing to leave during the winter months and return in spring. Before the full-scale invasion, the region was home to around 500,000 people, but this number has since dwindled to about 150,000.
To navigate the dangers posed by constant shelling, residents have resorted to using specially constructed network tunnels. Prokudin reported that around 200 kilometers of roads have been covered with these tunnels, alongside the establishment of approximately 1,000 shelters and 14 underground hospitals. Daily activities for both children and the elderly now often occur underground.
Additionally, Prokudin expressed concerns over the increasing presence of Russian military forces in the area, which are reportedly testing advanced drones and equipment that are not found even in the most intense conflict zones of Donbas.
Recent Attacks
On May 2, Russian forces targeted a minibus in the Dniprovskyi district of Kherson, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The city of Kherson has been identified as one of the few in Ukraine located almost directly on the front lines, exposing its inhabitants to constant danger.
According to a report by The Guardian, the situation in Kherson highlights the ongoing risks faced by its residents, who live under the persistent threat of military aggression.
Residents of Kherson are facing severe challenges as they adapt to life under constant threat from Russian military attacks. With a significantly reduced population and reliance on underground infrastructure for safety, the situation remains dire.