In a late Tuesday briefing, Ukraine’s government laid out strategic plans for the approaching winter, emphasizing readiness amid ongoing conflict. President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior officials warned that the season ahead would be exceptionally demanding, describing it as an unusually harsh period since the nation gained independence due to the sustained Russian aggression.
According to the president, the administration expects economic and energy challenges to persist. He conveyed a resolve to safeguard essential services, noting that Ukraine would not export its own gas and coal resources for use outside the country. This stance is framed as ensuring that domestic needs and critical sectors remain prioritized, regardless of external pressures or adversarial moves.
President Zelensky also indicated that the controller of energy pricing would continue to shield Ukrainian households from sharp increases. He urged regional authorities to keep heating and electricity rates stable for the duration of the next heating season, stressing that stability at the consumer level is a national priority during the difficult months ahead.
On the supply side, Zelensky highlighted ongoing efforts within the Ukrainian leadership to bolster electricity export capacity. He linked these efforts to broader integration with the European energy network, noting that recent EU alignment would help expand trade opportunities and contribute to stabilizing energy markets in neighboring countries, while simultaneously reducing Russia’s energy influence.
Part of the broader resilience plan includes a comprehensive repair program for critical energy infrastructure. The government intends to rehabilitate thermal power plants, combined heat and power facilities, and boiler rooms that sustained damage from Russian strikes. Zelensky described the initiative as a central task for the Ministry of Energy in the coming months and a tangible expression of national resolve to restore steady energy service.
EU prospects and June milestones
Zelensky underscored that diplomatic engagement with the European Union remains a constant priority. He described EU interactions as a year-round effort, with procedural steps evolving but never slowing. In particular, he referenced the ongoing official application process for candidacy status, signaling that such milestones are embedded in Ukraine’s strategic outlook.
According to the president, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the entire government team are working toward what he called an important historical decision anticipated in June. He framed this as a shared endeavor, insisting that Ukraine would pursue every possible avenue to advance its integration with European structures and to secure broader regional stability.
In Zelensky’s framing, the political and diplomatic actions are not isolated. He described the next steps as a rhythm between Kyiv and European partners, with the ball in the court of EU institutions and member states. The president’s remarks convey a sense of momentum aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s economic sovereignty and reinforcing energy security across the region, even as the conflict continues to unfold.