Zelensky: We are preparing for winter and strengthening air defense as much as possible

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainians should be aware that as winter approaches, there will be more Russian attacks on power generation plants and the power grid.
Volodymyr Zelensky said this in his speech on October 15.

“We have to be prepared for this. We will strengthen air defense as much as possible – because it is realistic in the current conditions. Even more than realistic: we agree with our partners on defense measures that have not been used before. But apart from that, much will depend on the readiness of local authorities, especially cities, to carry out preparatory work of energy companies and telecommunications operators," Zelensky said.

According to him, everyone should do their part in defense so that Russia does not stop Ukraine this winter.

“Just like on the battlefield, we must be as stable and strong as possible in all spheres,” emphasized the President of Ukraine.

Zelensky said that the week's schedule includes new meetings and talks with partners on strengthening Ukraine.

“We will also work to activate the reconstruction of Ukraine. We are also preparing new steps to ensure that the attention paid to Ukraine remains sufficient in the current global security situation," Zelensky emphasized.

The president added that Ukrainian diplomats, intelligence, and security forces continue to work to help Ukrainians who are in the Middle East - in Israel and the Gaza Strip.

“The evacuation of Ukrainians from Israel continues: over 200 people have already been transported to Romania, mainly women and children. New flights are in preparation. It is known that almost 260 of our people are currently in the Gaza Strip. The exit from there is blocked for citizens of all countries, but we are working with partners to evacuate our citizens," Zelensky said.

He appealed to all Ukrainians who need help in the conflict zone to contact Ukrainian diplomatic missions.

“Ukrainian diplomats are ready to provide help to any of our citizens who require it. Therefore, I once again appeal to all Ukrainians and Ukrainians who may need help: contact Ukrainian diplomatic missions at any time and in any way and follow their recommendations. – said the president.

What is the situation with energy supplies in Ukraine?

In the fall of 2022, Russia began regularly shelling Ukrainian energy infrastructure. In December, half of Ukraine's energy system was disabled by Russian shelling. And after the shelling on December 16, a state of emergency was introduced in the energy sector.

International organizations and national governments sent generators and other assistance to Ukraine to restore electricity supplies. On December 13, the first energy conference "Ramstein" took place in Paris, where, among others, $1 billion for Ukraine to survive the winter.

In November 2022, the Ukrainian government considered three blackout scenarios and called on Ukrainians to save electricity and prepare for long power outages.

On September 21, 2023, the Russian army again started shelling the infrastructure - as a result of the strike, almost 400 settlements were left without electricity. GUR says it expects a new wave of shelling at energy facilities. The Ministry of Energy declares: the plan to rebuild the power system has been 80% implemented.