The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff, where the key topic was the security of energy infrastructure ahead of the winter season. Significant attention was paid to protecting energy facilities from aerial attacks and strengthening combat aviation.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Preparation for the purchase of air defense systems from the USA
Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he had instructed the relevant government structures to prepare all necessary documents as quickly as possible for concluding agreements with the United States of America regarding the supply of air defense systems. According to him, detailed preparation will accelerate the negotiation process and ensure the swift acquisition of necessary means of protection against aerial threats.
“There was also a separate report on the military component, specifically the protection of energy facilities from aerial strikes. We have identified the provision of additional helicopters and overall strengthening of combat aviation. I instructed the relevant team to promptly prepare all documents necessary for agreements with the American side regarding the purchase of air defense systems. It is important to work out every aspect of potential agreements on paper now so that we can expedite negotiations,” he wrote on Telegram.
Moreover, the president emphasized the importance of enhancing aviation capabilities and providing additional helicopters for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Preparation for the heating season and international support
Zelensky also discussed the detailed examination of issues related to gas accumulation, repair of energy facilities, and securing funding for fuel purchases. Ukrainian gas workers have already identified funding sources for the necessary volumes of gas, which allows for preparation for the heating season.
During the meeting, they also discussed the restoration of communities after Russian strikes, particularly the creation of a reserve of equipment for the energy sector. Ukraine is counting on the support of European partners who can provide the necessary energy equipment, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to intensify work in this direction.
Earlier, Volodymyr Zelensky announced the preparation of a contract for the supply of 25 Patriot systems, which Ukraine plans to receive in stages, depending on production capabilities and the queue among other ordering countries. The president emphasized that the United States could change the order of priority for supplies if there is the corresponding political will, and EU countries could give up their place in the queue for Ukraine.
Zelensky has repeatedly appealed to international partners to provide air defense systems, especially in light of the increased attacks by Russia on energy infrastructure as winter approaches. Last week, during a visit to the USA, the head of state met with representatives of Raytheon, the manufacturer of Patriot systems.