President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on the emergency situation in Ukraine’s energy sector, with a particular focus on the situation in Kyiv. According to him, the consequences of Russian strikes and deteriorating weather conditions are severe, and restoration work is continuing around the clock.
This is stated in the president’s post. Zelensky noted that repair crews, energy companies, utilities and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine are working around the clock to restore electricity and heating supplies, and a number of issues require urgent resolution.
The president announced that a permanent headquarters will be set up to coordinate the situation in Kyiv. In general, a state of emergency is being introduced in Ukraine’s energy sector, and the first deputy prime minister and minister of energy of Ukraine has been appointed to lead the work to support people and communities and resolve practical issues.
Government officials must also intensify their work with partners to obtain the necessary equipment and additional support. The Cabinet of Ministers will ensure maximum deregulation of the processes of connecting backup power equipment to the grids during this situation and will also work to increase electricity imports to Ukraine.
In addition, Zelensky instructed the government to prepare a review of the rules regarding curfew during periods of extremely cold weather. According to him, people should have maximum opportunities to use support centres, and businesses should plan their work taking into account the situation in the energy system.
The President also stressed the need to increase the number of Resilience Centres in Kyiv and to check the existing ones, and is awaiting proposals from the Ministry of Education and Science and local authorities on the format of the educational process during the emergency. He emphasised that the coordinated and concerted work of state institutions, businesses and local authorities is critically important.