Good afternoon, esteemed colleagues, dear Ukrainians.

The 300th day of the great war. During this time we have experienced a lot of suffering and overcome many challenges. We all believe that 2023 will be the year of our victory. To do this, we must continue to work as one. To work in order to help and provide our Armed Forces.

Right now, the enemy is not easing pressure either on the front line or in the rear. The Ukrainian power system has survived 9 massive attacks and dozens of strikes. Now we are overcoming the consequences of yesterday’s enemy UAV attack on energy infrastructure facilities.

Yesterday, the terrorist state targeted energy facilities in the central region. The Air Defense Forces neutralized most of the enemy drones, but, unfortunately, there was a hit on a high-voltage network.

As of the morning of December 20, 8 units of nuclear power plants and 10 thermal power plants are operating in the power system. However, due to significant damage to the network, there is a significant shortage of electricity. To maintain a balanced operation of the power system, emergency shutdowns were introduced in 11 regions of our country.

Repairs continue, but the situation remains really difficult.

russian terrorists will do everything to leave Ukrainians without electricity until the New Year. It is important for them that Christmas and New Year in Ukraine pass in darkness. Therefore, we must prepare for new attacks.

In the conditions when the power system is attacked almost every day, it is simply impossible to give any forecasts on the restoration of stable power supply.

Local authorities should also not create inflated expectations. After all, along with the attack against our energy sector, russia is conducting information and psychological operations to sow panic and despair. Therefore, we tell people the truth that the situation is difficult; that there may be light only for a few hours a day; that the state of affairs in the energy system may either improve or worsen depending on intensity and massiveness of new russian attacks.

In these extremely difficult conditions, the Points of Invincibility really become a salvation for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians.

The Government has defined unified standards of their operation throughout Ukraine. People will have access to the same set of services. These are heat, communication, access to water and electricity.

Currently, more than 5,000 Points of Invincibility are already operating. We plan to triple their number in the near future. For this purpose, today we are adopting a decision on establishment of a Coordination Headquarters, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, to manage the deployment of a network of Points of Invincibility. I also ask Minister of Energy German Galushchenko to shortly present the results of the analysis on fairness of electricity distribution in the regions. The respective headquarters was created in the Ministry of Energy specifically to ensure fair distribution of electricity at all levels.

Work continues on the diplomatic front. More equipment for repairs arrives in Ukraine every day. In addition to the supplied equipment, partners declare their readiness to help with funds. In total, partners have announced assistance for the energy sector in various formats for more than USD 1.4 billion.

This helps. But it is only a fight against the consequences, not the root cause. We demand from the world a proper response to every terrorist attack against our energy system. Each missile that leaves thousands of Ukrainians without light and heat should become a reason for new sanctions. Terrorism should not be left unpunished.

I would also like to express gratitude to our allies who continue to provide financial assistance to Ukraine. Last week we received CAD 500 million to the Administered Account of Ukraine with the IMF from the Government of Canada. Today, we have received EUR 200 million from the Government of the Netherlands to the same account. We are grateful for this.

During the full-scale war, Ukraine has already received financial support for more than USD 30 billion. We are talking about direct budget support. One third is the US funds and another third is the funds of the EU countries. We really appreciate this assistance and work together to continue it next year.

Today, the Government will adopt a resolution allowing to increase assistance from Poland for the arrangement of the common border to EUR 160 million. These funds will help improve maintenance of border crossing points and further develop border infrastructure.

In conclusion, I would like to come back to the topic of energy and support for the regions. Today we will also approve a procedure and conditions for granting subventions to local budgets to compensate for the difference in tariffs for heat and hot water. What is it about? The Government transfers UAH 14 billion in the form of subventions to local authorities. These are the funds to ensure that the tariffs for heat and hot water for people remain unchanged, but at the same time the heat supply companies have the funds for uninterrupted operation and repairs. We promised that the Government would help and support local authorities. And we are keeping this promise.

To help and support – this is what we must do for each other and for our Armed Forces.

We have survived 300 days of this great war. We will stand as long as it is necessary for our victory.

Thank you for your attention!

Glory to Ukraine!