Dear Ukrainians!
It’s been a long day. I just held an energy-sector meeting – the most important one today. Many issues have been discussed. Denys Shmyhal has been appointed First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Ukraine; his key task is to handle the current emergency situation in the energy sector caused by Russian strikes and the harsh winter weather. We separately analyzed the situation in some of our cities – it’s especially difficult in Kyiv, as well as Odesa, Dnipro region – Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih – and several other cities and regions. We can see that much has been done, particularly in Kharkiv, where local authorities were prepared. Kyiv, unfortunately, has done much less – far too little has been done in the capital. And even these past few days, I haven’t seen sufficient effort – all of this must be urgently corrected. Decisions must be made. Legally, the state of emergency in the energy sector will be officially declared – this will provide more possibilities. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will simplify to the maximum all processes related to connecting backup energy equipment to the grid. Zero bureaucracy. I have instructed them to increase electricity import capacities – using all business opportunities. In Kyiv and other cities, there must be more, much more, assistance points for people – Points of Invincibility. I have tasked a review of curfew regulations: during this state of emergency, curfews can be lifted for some cities and communities where the security situation allows it. The government officials must present the corresponding proposals. So that people have access to all necessary support at any time, and that businesses can plan their operations more rationally.
I would like to especially thank all energy companies, regional and local authorities, and everyone ready to work together with us, with the state institutions. Unity must be maximized for the sake of shared results.
I held a meeting with the new Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov. The top priority is the protection of the skies. Decisions, tasks – he's got everything. We must support the front. Provisioning for brigades, funding, drone supplies – transformation is coming. There are specific tasks for our diplomats – the entire Ukrainian diplomatic corps, which must live with the same problems, the same emotions, the same goals as all Ukrainians. We need more support for our state and our people, for our resilience, for recovery. The necessary requests to partners have been made.
And one more thing.
Today, I spoke with Rustem Umerov and other members of our negotiating team. Work on the documents – security guarantees, economic agreements, and the political document – needs to be swift. On our end, we are being as productive as possible. We also expect energy from the American side in their work. I personally am very much expecting this. I thank everyone who stands with us, who stands with Ukraine.
Glory to Ukraine!