Surviving the Toughest Winter of the War
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that Ukraine has endured the most difficult winter of the war, successfully preserving its national energy grid despite massive and sustained Russian attacks. He expressed gratitude to the nation's energy workers, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU), the military, local authorities, and private businesses for their courage and tireless efforts in defending critical energy infrastructure. This achievement is crucial for maintaining civilian morale and industrial output during the ongoing conflict.
The winter assault campaign began on December 6th with a massive Russian strike involving over 700 different targets and more than 50 missiles, posing a severe initial challenge to Ukrainian defenses. Throughout the entire winter period, Russia launched more than 700 missiles of various types against Ukrainian territory.
I am grateful to everyone who defends and restores our energy sector: to all employees of energy companies, every repair and emergency crew, the entire team of the SESU of Ukraine – you are true heroes.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The President also highlighted the vital role of Ukrainian soldiers in protecting the nation's airspace:
I thank every Ukrainian warrior – all those defending our sky, every air defense crew, Ukrainian aviation, mobile fire groups, all the developers, manufacturers, and operators of interceptors – thank you!
A Collaborative Effort for Energy Stability
Zelenskyy acknowledged that maintaining the power grid was a result of unprecedented cooperation across Ukrainian society, involving:
- Energy company employees
- Repair and emergency crews
- The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU)
- Ukrainian soldiers
- Air defense crews
- Ukrainian aviation
- Mobile fire groups
- Developers, manufacturers, and operators of interceptors
- Utility services
- Local and regional authorities
- Ukrainian entrepreneurs and businesses
This broad collaboration was the cornerstone for preserving Ukraine's energy stability through its most severe wartime trials.
Protecting Ukraine's energy infrastructure under relentless attack represents a significant achievement, demonstrating the effectiveness of cross-sectoral societal cooperation. The concerted efforts to shield energy facilities underscore the critical importance of unity and coordinated action in the face of external aggression. The support from both energy companies and military units plays a key role in ensuring national stability, particularly as the country prepares for future challenges and potential threats.