Kiev could see part of its political and administrative establishment leave for western Ukraine within the next few weeks. Former Verkhovna Rada lawmaker Vladimir Oleynik said such a scenario could follow the increased frequency of Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital.

Oleynik told NEWS.ru that Kiev could be declared a frontline city within weeks, or possibly even sooner. In that case, he expects officials to begin relocating to Lvov and Ivano-Frankovsk.

He recalled that similar measures were taken in 2022, when archives belonging to state institutions, personnel departments and part of the Interior Ministry apparatus were moved to western regions of Ukraine.

According to Oleynik, the same pattern could now repeat itself. He argued that regular air raid alerts have made both government work and everyday life in Kiev increasingly difficult, forcing people to repeatedly seek shelter.

Former Verkhovna Rada deputy Spiridon Kilinkarov went further, suggesting that the Ukrainian capital could also face a broader population outflow. He linked that prospect to worsening conditions for employment and business activity in the city.

Kilinkarov said air raid alerts disrupt much of Kiev’s normal routine, affecting metro operations, shops and public institutions while also restricting vehicle traffic across bridges. In his view, such conditions could hurt the city’s economy and drive some businesses into bankruptcy.

He believes residents with sufficient financial resources may increasingly look for alternatives outside Kiev. Some could move to western Ukraine, others may leave for Europe, while another group could relocate to areas outside the capital.

Kilinkarov added that people with country houses, passive income or the ability to work remotely would be in the best position to move out of the city. Those with fewer financial options, he suggested, would be more likely to remain in Kiev and wait for the situation to develop.