Winter is under threat - Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv had not yet fully understood the need to provide each district with backup sources of light and heat for the winter. According to him, some regions are lagging behind the approved schedules, which endangers people's safety.

Problems with winterisation

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Kyiv and a number of other regions have not yet fully realised the need to provide each district with backup sources of light and heat before the start of the winter period. He stressed that this issue is critical for the safety of the population and the stable operation of the infrastructure.

Zelenskyy noted that there is a strict schedule for concluding contracts and performing the relevant work. All regional and local authorities must strictly adhere to it, but there is currently a lag in some regions.

Backlog in key regions

The President separately reviewed the situation in Donetsk, Chernihiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Lviv and Kyiv regions. These are the regions that are lagging behind the established winterisation schedule.

The backlog directly affects the safety of residents, because risks of being left without electricity or heat in the winter period increase. Zelenskyy stressed that the responsibility for adherence to the schedule lies with local authorities.

Requirements for local authorities

The President noted that all regional and local administrations should work in accordance with the approved plan. Implementation of the schedule is mandatory for each region and district, especially given the difficult security situation.

Zelensky called on local authorities to strengthen control over the progress of work and the conclusion of contracts so that each district is provided with backup energy sources by winter. This will minimise risks to the population in case of emergencies.

Reaction to the backlog

The authorities continue to monitor the state of winterisation in the regions. Particular attention is being paid to those regions that have the biggest gaps. If necessary, additional measures may be taken to speed up the work.