Can Russia 'freeze' Ukraine this winter? Zelenskyy’s team responds
Photo: Andriy Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russia constantly tries to leave Ukraine without heat and light during the autumn-winter season. This year, the situation has not changed, according to the Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
According to him, the US leadership understands Russia’s intentions.
"Both President Trump and Energy Secretary Wright — with whom President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Svyrydenko met with leading US energy companies — as well as Treasury Secretary Bessent, all understand this. They are ready to help us as much as possible to get through this winter," he said.
Yermak said that the Americans were given a clear list of what Ukraine needs.
"As for the risks — of course, they exist. As long as this war continues, the risk of further strikes is inevitable. We will continue doing what we have been doing: defending, rebuilding, and developing," emphasized the Head of the Presidential Office.
According to him, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy devotes much time daily to the situation in the energy sector. The Prime Minister, the Minister of Energy, and other government members visit the attack sites.
"They respond immediately. And if the tasks set are not fulfilled, or are performed poorly or belatedly, strict personnel and organizational measures are taken immediately," Yermak stressed.
Massive attack on Ukraine
It should be recalled that on the night of October 22, Russia carried out another massive combined strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. As a result, emergency power outage schedules were introduced nationwide.
In particular, in the Kirovohrad region, Russian missiles and drones hit energy facilities, leaving 27 settlements without electricity. Due to enemy strikes on a DTEK energy facility in the Odesa region, more than 14,000 households were left without power.
In Zaporizhzhia, about two thousand consumers were left without electricity after the night attack.
It is noted that on Thursday, October 23, power consumption restrictions will be applied in most regions of Ukraine from 07:00 to 23:00. For industrial enterprises, power limitation schedules will be in effect.
RBC-Ukraine also reported where Ukrainians can find their power outage schedules.
