Dear Ukrainians!
I have just held a special coordination call on the situation in the regions – on recovery efforts, and the deployment of necessary resources. Kyiv is in the hardest situation. This morning, once again, “shahed” drones struck an energy facility in the region. Repair crews are working now. The performance of the Air Force against the “shaheds” is unsatisfactory: we have interceptors, significant forces are engaged – mobile fire groups, F-16s are available – but the organization of Air Force operations must be different. We reviewed this situation separately with the Minister of Defense – conclusions will be drawn.
I spoke with our delegation – Umerov, Budanov, Arakhamiia. They are actively working with the American side, working with European representatives on potential meetings and support packages. Air defense missiles are needed daily. Weapons are needed daily. Equipment for recovery and reserves is needed daily. If the Davos format delivers this – real results for Ukraine – Ukraine will be represented there. No one needs empty politics or talks with no results.
We must focus on the situation inside the country. Every official, local authorities, all heads of state-owned companies and energy companies – everyone must be right here, in Ukraine, working in cities, in villages, in the areas where restoration and protection are needed. As of this evening, more than one million consumers in Kyiv alone are without electricity. A significant number of buildings are without heat – more than 4,000 apartment blocks. All efforts must be directed toward easing the situation. Government officials must put forward non-linear proposals on how to protect lives and reorganize operations: how to support our people, how to support businesses. Maximum coordination with business is needed: how to redistribute power generation, existing consumption, so that people can feel the situation stabilizing, and what additional support programs are required for people. All of this must be discussed in detail, and answers must be provided to the questions I posed to government officials today. All of them. Personal responsibility lies with the Government – tomorrow, I expect a concrete, clear list of actions and solutions.
Every hour must be dedicated to the energy sector – Ukrenergo, the Government, regional authorities, local authorities, Kyiv authorities – everyone. Everyone.
There were reports on what was done over the course of the day in some communities – in the Kyiv region, Dnipro region, Kharkiv, Chernihiv region, Sumy region, and Rivne. I am grateful to those who are working efficiently. The situation in Zaporizhzhia is extremely difficult – “shahed” drones have been striking the city all day. I instructed that more assets and more crews be deployed for protection, and there are specific tasks to adjust logistics – the Ministry of Defense is working on this.
The Minister of Internal Affairs reported on the operation of assistance and heating points in Kyiv and in other regions. The Border Guard Service and Customs must ensure the swiftest possible clearance of equipment entering Ukraine. And if there are any delays, the response must be immediate.
Today, there is also a personnel decision. Oleksandr Kubrakov will be responsible for infrastructure issues and relations with communities from his position in the Office of the President. I have appointed Kubrakov as my Adviser, including on the situation in Kyiv. I will expect proposals. I will continue to involve professional people from Team Ukraine who can join the public service. All forces must now be working for Ukraine. And that is how it will be.
Glory to Ukraine!