Zelensky Calls for Urgent Defense Measures and Energy Response
Zelensky orders urgent steps to boost Kharkov defense and tackle the energy crisis as Kiev and several regions face heating outages and power shortages.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky held a working meeting focused on the energy situation and the protection of major cities, Life.ru reported. Following the discussion, he instructed Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Syrsky and Defense Minister Denis Shmygal to urgently determine additional measures to strengthen the defense of Kharkov.
According to Zelensky, the most strained conditions in energy supply are currently observed in Kiev and the Kiev Region, as well as in Kharkov and the Kharkov Region, the Chernihov, Sumy, Dnepropetrovsk regions, and in Zaporozhye. In the capital alone, more than 1,200 apartment buildings remain without heating.
He stressed that the previously announced timelines cannot be considered acceptable and called for faster action.
Zelensky also ordered an inspection of the readiness of social infrastructure in Kiev. In addition, he tasked the prime minister, together with the finance minister, with assessing options for the urgent procurement of equipment needed for alternative heat supply systems and electricity generation.