President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the results of the meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff, which was dedicated to the comprehensive preparation of Ukraine for the heating season. Participants discussed the implementation of directives and agreements with international partners, as well as the readiness of the energy sector for the winter period.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Priorities for Energy and Defense Security
Zelensky emphasized that the preparation of energy facilities began in the summer, with particular attention paid to the protection of critical infrastructure. According to him, a key issue on the agenda was the need to strengthen air defense. The President instructed the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, to coordinate the actions of government officials, regional administrations, and energy companies to procure additional short- and medium-range air defense systems, as well as to increase funding for Ukrainian drone manufacturers. The priority is the effective downing of kamikaze drones of the “Shahed” type and regular weekly reporting on the supply of air defense means.
“I instructed the Secretary of the NSDC, Rustem Umerov, to coordinate government officials, regional administrations, and energy companies to procure additional short- and medium-range air defense systems, as well as to increase funding for drone manufacturers. The priority is to shoot down ‘Shaheds’. Weekly reporting on supplies is essential. We also discussed the protection of networks and energy facilities in frontline and border communities, as well as backup supply arrangements.”
Strengthening Energy and Weapon Production
The meeting also addressed the extraction and supply of energy resources and electricity generation. The President noted significant results achieved by the teams at Naftogaz and Ukrenergo and confirmed the approval of further steps for the procurement of necessary gas volumes. The protection of energy networks and facilities in frontline and border communities, as well as the creation of backup energy supply sources, was also discussed.
Zelensky informed about plans to hold a technological meeting involving manufacturers of Ukrainian missiles, key types of drones, and air defense means. He also announced an increase in the production of domestic strike capabilities and emphasized that the quality of Ukrainian long-range strikes must significantly improve.
An important aspect remains the accelerated supply of additional air defense systems to protect against missile attacks. The President relies on the active diplomatic efforts of Ukrainian officials to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
Analysts predict that Russia may intensify missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure ahead of the upcoming winter. According to the Ministry of Energy, since March 2025, Russian military forces have carried out over 2,900 attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities.