Vereshchuk: Winter will be difficult due to energy system damage, prepare for hardships

Warning on energy security

Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, emphasised that the supply of heat and electricity in the coming months will pose a serious challenge for the country. According to her, targeted strikes by Russian forces on energy infrastructure have caused such destruction that its restoration will be significantly more difficult than in the previous heating season.

The official stressed that this situation affects not only the regions but also the capital. She stated directly that Kyiv residents will have to face difficulties but emphasised the need to prepare for them in advance.

«Ця зима точно буде важкою, тому що інфраструктура через прицільну роботу ворога по ній, на жаль, уже не піддається ремонту так, як навіть минулої зими, і ми це прекрасно розуміємо. Чи буде киянам важко? Так, буде важко, але нам потрібно готуватися» (This winter will definitely be difficult because, unfortunately, the infrastructure, due to the enemy's targeted operations against it, can no longer be repaired as it was even last winter, and we understand this perfectly. Will it be hard for Kyiv residents? Yes, it will be hard, but we need to prepare), Vereshchuk emphasised.

Assessment of negotiation processes

Commenting on possible diplomatic initiatives, particularly the talks in Abu Dhabi, the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office expressed doubt about their prospects. She believes they will not lead to Ukraine's victory, citing the aggressor's growing military potential.

Vereshchuk noted that Russia is increasing the production of unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles. In her opinion, such actions are not a sign of Moscow's intentions to achieve peace.

«Я дивлюся реальності в очі. Росія нарощує свій військовий потенціал: збільшує виробництво дронів, у них буде дедалі більше ракет. Чому ми маємо говорити про те, що вони готуються до миру? Звідки в нас таке уявлення? Тому що хтось сказав по телевізору чи в Америці хтось хоче це так показати? Реальність інша» (I look reality in the eye. Russia is increasing its military potential: it is increasing drone production, and they will have more and more missiles. Why should we say that they are preparing for peace? Where does this notion come from? Because someone said it on television or someone in America wants to show it that way? Reality is different), she explained.

Call for social solidarity

Summarising her speech at the "Comprehensive Defence" forum, Iryna Vereshchuk called on citizens to stockpile water, prepare for possible difficulties, and support those who are left alone.

«Тому запасаймося водою, запасаймося чим можемо, дивімося собі під ноги, намагаймося допомогти тим, хто самотній. Ми у 2022 році все це робили» (Therefore, let us stockpile water, stockpile what we can, look where we are stepping, and try to help those who are alone. We did all of this in 2022), the official added.