Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky chaired a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff focused on protecting and restoring Ukraine’s energy system, during which he heard reports on repair work in regions affected by Russian strikes.
Zelensky announced this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.
“Today, I held a meeting of the Staff. The top priority was the protection and restoration of our energy sector. Reports on repair efforts in the regions affected by Russian strikes were presented. I am grateful to everyone involved and working practically around the clock – often these are truly heroic efforts by our energy workers, repair crews, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine,” he said.
He noted that the most difficult situation remains in the frontline communities and those near the border with Russia – areas where Russian attack drones and missiles have the shortest flight time and where air alerts and shelling occur almost constantly.
“Despite all of threats, even in these communities, work is ongoing to restore power supply and provide emergency capabilities to support people,” Zelensky said.
Special attention was given to Odesa and the Odesa region, where, according to the president, local authorities have made numerous mistakes. Reports were also delivered regarding Kyiv and the region, as well as the Dnipro region. Constant attention is paid to Kharkiv and the region, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Kherson, and Poltava and the region.
“For every other region of our country, we have clear data on the necessary equipment, required work, and funding. Specific instructions have been given for each area,” Zelensky said.
The meeting also covered military issues, including plans to expand army aviation capabilities for countering drones.
“Additional helicopter groups will be formed. We are working with partners to provide Ukraine with more of the necessary types of aircraft. Reports were also presented on cooperation with manufacturers of interceptor drones – maximum production volumes are needed,” Zelensky said.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal briefed the meeting on preparations for the upcoming Ramstein-format meeting, scheduled for Wednesday.
“Our priorities are air defense – and we now have not only a list of the necessary systems and missiles – but also a clear understanding of which country can ensure prompt delivery and under what conditions,” Zelensky said.
He added that Ukraine continues to work with partners under the PURL and SAFE initiatives.
“While PURL has already proven effective, the European instrument Security Action for Europe still needs to be filled with truly relevant content. In particular, we need such elements of national participation by European countries in SAFE that will deter Russia already now. By ending Russia’s war against Ukraine and reliably ensuring our security, the security of all of Europe can be properly strengthened,” Zelensky said.
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine