Zelenskyy: There is little time left before winter, local authorities must address critical issues

Zelenskyy: There is little time left before winter, local authorities must address critical issues

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following the results of the Staff meeting, outlined key tasks regarding the provision of electricity and gas.

He announced this during his evening video address, as reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy stated that the Staff meeting discussed the real situation in regions and communities, at energy facilities, and in cities—from Slavutych to Zaporizhzhya, as well as in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, central and western regions, and the south of the country.

Special attention was given to challenges in Mykolaiv and Odesa, issues of deploying air defense systems, additional capabilities, comprehensive protection, and reports from military leaders. The protection of specific energy facilities and communities was also discussed in detail, with a note that additional resources are needed for an adequate response to each issue.

"We have addressed these issues and fulfilled all requests from the leaders, primarily of Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. Requests regarding finances and assistance," he noted.

Zelenskyy reported that Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliya Svyrydenko, along with other officials, visited Shostka in Sumy region and several cities in the eastern regions where the situation is particularly difficult, and provided reports on solutions to support the population. Government representatives continue to work in the regions.

Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba has already assessed the situation in Odesa, and there were also reports from the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Energy, and the heads of Naftogaz and Ukrenergo.

"I have given clear tasks regarding electricity, generation facilities, and additional equipment for the winter. We are increasing equipment reserves, and there are clear tasks regarding gas as well," he said.

Zelenskyy added that the issue of assistance to Ukraine is being discussed with international partners—there is already readiness from the Prime Minister of the Netherlands and the government of Norway to support the country, for which he expressed his gratitude.

"Unfortunately, not everywhere is local authority effective, and if local leaders are unwilling or unable to solve critical problems on their own, there will be decisions from the central government regarding them. I have now given instructions to both the government and our military. There is little time left before winter," the head of state emphasized.