Ukraine Offers Free Train Rides and Cash for Kherson Evacuation

• Russian troops have used a barrage missile and rocket fire on Kherson, Ukraine.
• Ukrainian officials are raising the alarm and offering cash and rides to residents who want to flee.
• Six weeks ago, the southern region was retaken by Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine is increasing incentives for Kherson citizens to leave the city, as Russian forces unleashed an artillery and rocket fire campaign in the region over the last week.

In one of the most intense periods of shelling since Ukraine regained control of Kherson last month, Russian forces hit Kherson over the Christmas weekendThe attack left at least 10 dead and a maternity ward in ruins. The Ukrainian authorities now offer money and transportation to help the remaining residents flee. according to The New York Times.

In November, Ukrainian forces had regained control of the southern region after a months-long Russian reign of control in Kherson, where a proxy government was installed and Russia attempted to formally annex the area after holding sham referendums. On Wednesday, Kherson City Council member Dmytro Poddubniy said that Kherson is “one of the most dangerous cities right now,” according to The Guardian.

According to The Times on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minster Iryna Vereshchuk stated that “the enemy doesn’t stop shelling”. In a rapid-tracked plan, the Ukrainian government offers residents cash and free train rides west to leave the region. The Ministry of Reintegration said in a Facebook post.

According to The Times, the Ministry of Reintegration of Ukraine stated that at least 300 people had left Kherson every day by train by the beginning of the week.