“Less panic”: CPD commented on forecasts about “lockdowns” in winter

Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation Andriy Kovalenko urged people not to escalate the situation around possible “lockdowns” in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa this winter. He drew attention to statements about allegedly “even stricter lockdowns than this winter,” emphasizing that there were no lockdowns in Ukraine last year. The last time such restrictions were introduced was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kovalenko also noted that the forecasts voiced are only the suppositions of an individual who has no relation to Ukraine’s winter preparedness processes. In his view, assumptions should not be taken as facts, and people should trust information from those directly involved in the relevant processes. “Less panic. We have been through many winters,” the head of the CPD stressed. At the same time, he said that this winter could indeed be especially significant for the enemy if Russia does not stop striking Ukraine. “FACTY” remind that two months remain before the start of the heating season. Kyiv authorities report that the city is systematically preparing for the autumn-winter period, taking into account all possible scenarios. In the capital, lists of low-mobility residents who may need temporary relocation in case of prolonged loss of heating due to Russian shelling are being compiled in advance.