Zelenskyy: Energy recovery strategy to be finalized on March 1

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the development of a strategy for energy restoration and updated protection of the energy system for the next winter, which is planned to be completed by March 1.

“We had a detailed discussion with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko on preparing our strategy for energy recovery and enhanced protection of the energy sector for next winter. We will finalize the strategy by March 1 and approve it afterward,” Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Thursday.

According to the president, once the document is approved, international partners and businesses will be able to join in its implementation.

“This is to ensure that the European Commission, European countries, the United States, global businesses, and Ukrainian companies with the necessary capacity can all join in and work together with us – alongside our people – to strengthen resilience and expand our capabilities ahead of next winter,” he stressed.

The head of state noted that preparations are being made taking into account the risk of further Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and cities: “Of course, this also concerns the period this year when Russian strikes may continue targeting our infrastructure and our cities.”

Zelenskyy also emphasized the need to consider the positive experiences of Ukrainian cities and communities, which are coping better than others this winter, and is looking for proposals from the regions.

“I expect proposals from the regions. This is your responsibility – and the regions must be truly prepared,” he noted.