Good afternoon, esteemed colleagues, dear Ukrainians.

I will start with the situation in the energy sector. Now the situation in the system is under control, but there is still a significant shortage of electricity. All thermal and hydroelectric power plants in the country are damaged, 40% of high-voltage network facilities are damaged to varying degrees. Therefore, power supply restrictions are still significant in most regions. This is a necessary measure to maintain the balanced operation of our energy system.

As of the morning of December 9, backup schemes allowed to supply power to consumers in Odesa region, which suffered during the eighth missile attack. Heat generation facilities in Odesa and Kherson regions were partially put into operation, which allowed, in particular, to launch heating systems. But the restriction of consumption remains considerable due to significant damage.

The situation is difficult in Kyiv region, where the enemy struck at generation facilities. This is why there is a more significant deficit on the left bank.

But the most difficult situation is in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, where the enemy attacks generation facilities and distribution networks with artillery almost every day. The situation is complicated by weather conditions that slow down not only the repairs, but also the work of demining teams.

We understand that people there are especially vulnerable. Therefore, today, by the decision of the Government, we are transferring more than 480 cubic meters of firewood from Ukrzaliznytsia to the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration. This wood will be distributed among residents of the region to heat their homes.

Also, by the decision of the Government, Ukrzaliznytsia will provide 600 mobile metal stoves for Donetsk region. Where centralized heating is not functioning, they will become the main means of heating.

Let’s be honest, this winter we will constantly live in conditions of limited electricity consumption. Therefore, the state and the Government will systematize the mechanism for determining which consumers receive electricity at the first place.

I have instructed the Minister of Energy to develop and submit to the Government precise priorities for the resumption of electricity supply.

The main focus is on critical infrastructure, in particular water and heat supply facilities and hospitals.

The second one is the objects of the military-industrial complex that operate for the national defense. The principle “everything for the front” remains immutable.

The third priority is the business that produces critical goods and products. For instance, bakeries and dairies.

The fourth priority is the housing sector.

Only after the connection of the mentioned four groups, electricity should be supplied to other facilities. This is a fair approach that will allow our country to persevere through this winter.

Also, the Ministry of Energy together with the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission, the Antimonopoly Committee and local authorities should develop a mechanism to respond to complaints from citizens and businesses regarding the violation of the order and prioritization of consumers’ connection. I expect that all these things will be done in the near future.

We understand that such prioritization may raise questions for businesses. Therefore, we are developing recommendations for the industrial sector, in particular on the partial or complete transfer of enterprises to night shifts.

Also, the Government has previously lifted the tax and customs burden on the import of generators, batteries and other similar energy equipment.

The assistance of international partners is important for us today. The Generators of Hope initiative has already started working. Belgian cities have transferred the first batch of generators to Ukraine. Soon other communities of the EU countries will join. France has delivered 100 generators. Norway is now providing Ukrainian border guards with generators. Yesterday, during a meeting with a delegation of ministers of the Government of Slovakia, we agreed on the supply of about 300 generators.

An assistance package is being agreed with Japan. It will include equipment necessary for urgent repairs of the power system. Also, as the first stage of assistance, Japanese partners will transfer more than 240 generators to Ukraine.

Support for Ukraine is truly popular. Not only governments, but also businesses, NGOs and ordinary people demonstrate solidarity. This assistance is critically important for us now. We are grateful for it.

We are also attracting grants and loans for the restoration of the energy system. Today we will make a decision on a loan of EUR 32.5 million for Ukrenergo from the German state bank KfW. These funds will allow Ukrenergo to restore substations damaged by the enemy. We will also approve a draft law redirecting part of the loan funds of the European Investment Bank for the reconstruction of one of the key substations in Kyiv region.

Today, we critically need the assistance of our international partners. We must also be responsible for our obligations, so we are closely monitoring the situation around the competition to fill the position of the head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. Recently, the Commission for the competition to hold the position of NABU Director has decided to extend the deadline for accepting documents from persons wishing to participate in the selection by two weeks.

The Government is concerned about such a delay. We all – the government, the society – expect that the competition will be completed on time. The Government has created all the conditions for a transparent and fair competition. Now the commission should complete its part as soon as possible. I hope that the Government will not have to raise this issue again.

So, we are strengthening ourselves in all critical areas to give a worthy rebuff to the enemy and bring our victory closer.

Thank you for your attention! Glory to Ukraine!