President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the energy sector workers, thanked them for their dedication, and presented them with state awards.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has now gone through its third winter of full-scale war without a blackout and has managed to maintain a unified power grid.
"This is an extraordinary achievement for the Ukrainian people. An achievement of many people who protect energy facilities, restore them after attacks, carry out repairs – even under fire – build what’s needed for protection, and ensure the operation of power plants, grids, the entire energy system," the Head of State said.
According to the President, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have worked to make sure the country did not lose its energy infrastructure. At the same time, he stressed that the threat has not disappeared. Ukraine’s intelligence and security services have reported the possibility of new Russian strikes around Easter and in the following days.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine is counting on diplomatic action from its partners – especially the United States and Europe – to prevent Russia from ignoring the proposal to cease fire and end the war.
"But we must be ready for all scenarios and continue to defend our state and our people, to protect the life of Ukraine. All of our energy sector workers – people like you – and your work is one of the key elements of Ukraine’s overall defense," the Head of State emphasized.
The President urged everyone never to forget those whose lives were taken by Russian strikes. The attendees observed a moment of silence in their memory.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards to energy sector workers, including the Order “For Courage” III class (one posthumously), the Order of Merit III class, the Order of Princess Olga III class, and the Medal “For Labor and Valor.”
