Poland is ready to accept refugees from Ukraine this winter
Poland is preparing to receive a new wave of refugees from Ukraine due to the possible consequences of Russia's winter attacks on infrastructure.
This was stated by Polish Deputy Interior Minister Wieslaw Lesniakiewicz at the Warsaw-Kyiv Resilience Forum, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.
According to him, the country is actively preparing for a situation where people may be left without water, electricity and other basic amenities as a result of Russia's attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
"We are now improving our plans and preparing for the possibility of another wave of refugees. It cannot be ruled out as it is winter," Lesniakiewicz said.
He admitted that in 2022 Poland was not fully prepared for a large number of refugees, but emphasized the role of citizens and local authorities who actively helped Ukrainians. Today, the Polish administration is ready to accept new refugees and has the necessary places to accommodate them.
In addition, the minister noted that Poland should be ready to accommodate not only refugees from Ukraine, but also internally displaced persons, in particular from the risk zone on the Suwalki Gap in the east of the country.
"We must also be prepared for the possible evacuation of residents from this region," said the Deputy Interior Minister of the Republic of Poland.
He also drew attention to the need to restore the infrastructure of bomb shelters, as only 3% of Poland's population can take refuge in the event of an attack. Poland is also actively working on a system of informing the population about the missile threat, borrowing from Ukraine's experience in this area.
In November, Poland feared a new wave of refugees from Ukraine.
