Ghost towns may appear in Ukraine: what the increase in tariffs will lead to.

The head of the Union of Consumers of Utility Services of Ukraine, Oleg Popenko, claims that high tariffs for utility services may lead to the emergence of ghost towns in Ukraine. He emphasizes the serious consequences that may arise from this increase, including rising debts among the population and migration processes.

'Any increase in tariffs will inevitably lead to an increase in debts for utility services. Ukrainians will leave depressed areas, go abroad, look for work there, and try to pay for utility services to keep their homes. If it is still worth something... If they can, they will sell their homes. Or they will leave apartments in houses unheated and unwatered,'

The expert also notes that it is already possible to see disconnections of heating and water supply in some entrances of high-rise buildings, and this will become a trend in the future. The situation may be particularly difficult in border and frontline areas, where the lack of jobs will force residents to seek work in larger cities, leading to a decrease in the population of smaller towns.

'The worst will be in border towns with Russia, in frontline regions where there will be no jobs - they will leave their homes. In the best case, they will move to regional centers. Small towns will die out,'

This situation poses a particular threat to towns on the border with Russia and regions near the front line. Ukrainians must be prepared for these challenges.