Zelensky holds energy call, names regions with most challenging situation
President Volodymyr Zelensky held an energy coordination call, during which he discussed the elimination of the consequences of Russian strikes and ways to strengthen the resilience of cities. The most difficult situation is in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and their surrounding regions.
According to Ukrinform, Zelensky reported this on Facebook following the energy call.
“I held a special energy coordination call. Reports on dealing with the aftermath of Russian strikes and on the implementation of decisions that must boost the resilience of our cities and communities,” Zelensky stated.
He expressed gratitude to all repair crews, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, every energy company, and municipal services that are actively working on the ground.
According to Zelensky, the operational scope covers the entire country, with relevant tasks assigned in nearly every region.
The most difficult situation is in Kyiv and the region, Kharkiv and the region, Zaporizhzhia and the region. Following a nighttime strike on the Kyiv region, additional challenges have arisen for Hostomel, Bucha, and Irpin. All necessary services are involved in restoration efforts. The situation in Odesa is also expected to be resolved during the day. There were reports as well regarding the Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, and Dnipro regions.
“Second – I instructed that a separate review be conducted in Kyiv regarding those buildings that are still without heating. Unfortunately, there are discrepancies between city-level and government-level reports even concerning the number of such buildings. The Ministry of Energy and all central government bodies must fully engage to help people,” Zelensky emphasized.
He also thanked the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine for the rapid deployment of additional assistance points and for expanding the operation of the 112 hotline.
“We need to accelerate as much as possible the increase in electricity imports and the provision of additional equipment from partners. All decisions for this are already in place, and the increase in imports must proceed without delay,” Zelensky stressed.
The President noted that there are separate instructions for the Minister of Defense regarding Air Force operations and the protection of the skies, and he announced new forthcoming measures.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, according to the Ministry of Energy, the most critical energy supply situation is currently in Kyiv and the Kyiv region.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that as of the morning of January 17, around 50 buildings in Kyiv remain without heating out of 6,000 affected by the Russian strike on January 9.