During a working visit to Paris (France) on December 13, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal took part in the opening of the Conference Standing with the Ukrainian People in support of civil resilience in Ukraine in winter, organized by President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined the event online. Among those present were First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis, Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala, Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada Chrystia Freeland, representatives of governments and parliaments of other states and international organizations.

In his address, the President of Ukraine noted that about 12 million people in almost all regions and in the capital were cut off from supply due to russian strikes. And new shelling can dramatically increase the number of shutdowns.

"Here and now we have to agree on specific things that will not only help Ukraine survive the winter, but also prove as clearly as possible to any anti-democratic and anti-European forces, and first of all - russia, that Europe has learned to prevent a catastrophe and protect its people," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged.

According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, everyone is aware that russia will continue terrorist attacks and will not give up its intentions to destroy the Ukrainian energy system. To prevent this from happening, Ukraine needs the help of the civilized world.

"First, we need modern anti-missile and anti-aircraft systems to protect our skies. Over the past few months, we have received Western systems IRIS-T, NASAMS, HAWK. We urge our partners to increase the supply of air defense systems, because they will protect the civilian population, avoid the destruction of our energy system, humanitarian catastrophe and a new huge wave of migration," Denys Shmyhal noted.

The second thing, according to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, is assistance in the rapid restoration and repair of critical infrastructure. He called on the international community to help with the supply of energy equipment.

Denys Shmyhal stressed that thanks to the help of partners and friends around the world Ukrainians will survive this winter: "We have no doubt that the world and Europe will not allow russia's terrorist plans to come true."