Zelenskyy: It is Cruicial for Ukraine to Restore All Energy Facilities Before Winter

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a crucial issue is the restoration of all energy facilities before this year’s winter. He made these remarks during his address at the opening ceremony of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024 in Berlin.

“In the short term, we must implement rapid and cost-effective restoration of all energy facilities that can be restored now. It is very important to do this before winter, within the next 3-4 months. We know how to ensure this. From our partners, we ask for equipment from your suspended power plants and direct financial support. This will allow us to respond to the situation here and now,” Zelenskyy said.

The president also emphasized the importance of decentralized gas generation in Ukraine.

“We must maintain normal life in Ukraine. Another important element is highly efficient decentralized maneuverable gas generation, which will address today’s energy deficit. Tomorrow it will be transitioned to hydrogen and will balance new green energy. European and German companies are leaders in this field. We already have a plan in this area to build up to 1 GW of capacity this year,” he added.

He expressed gratitude to Germany for providing the third Patriot system and the transfer of assets such as the IRIS-T, Patriot missiles, and other essential equipment, emphasizing their significance for Ukraine's defense efforts.

"We managed to provide partial protection from Russian airstrikes. We have done and can do more. We need at least seven additional Patriot systems to cover the major settlements soon. This will be a driver for preserving the norms of life in Ukraine, providing direct assistance to defense, and guaranteeing that the country's economic life will not be destroyed," Zelenskyy said.