Address by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at Government's session

Distinguished colleagues, fellow Ukrainian citizens!

Last night Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on our energy infrastructure.

Damage to equipment at Ukrenergo's substations resulted in restrictions on power output, while a deficit of domestic generation occurred.

As of now, the situation in the energy sector is challenging, but controlled by Ukrenergo dispatchers.

It is important that the system has maintained its integrity.

The work to overcome the consequences of the attack has not stopped for a minute. Power engineers, rescuers, sappers are working round the clock.

Emergency power outages have been cancelled in all regions, but outage schedules are now being enforced.

Ukraine continues to import electricity from Europe.

It has been decided that blackouts will not apply to businesses that import or produce 60% of their consumption domestically.

In this way, we encourage entrepreneurs to strengthen their energy resilience and the resilience of the entire energy system of Ukraine.

Government is also actively working with international partners. So far, the Energy Support Fund has raised more than EUR 700 million.

Germany has announced an additional EUR 65 million package to repair our energy infrastructure.

We are grateful to all our allies for their efforts. This helps us to create a reserve of equipment, carry out rapid repairs and return electricity to people's homes faster.

As for when the situation will stabilise, it is currently impossible to predict precisely.

Minister of Energy and the Head of Ukrenergo should report to the public on a daily basis on the work performed and provide information on the situation in the energy sector. To inform what activities are underway.

We must give people transparent and clear information about the situation in the energy sector.

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Yesterday, the President of Ukraine signed the state budget for 2025.

This is the major financial document that defines the state's priorities for the next year.

Over half of the total state budget expenditures for 2025 we will channel to the country's defence and security. We increase funding for the purchase of weapons, equipment and drones, as well as for the development of domestic military production.

We are grateful to our partners who help finance non-military budget items.

Next year we shall index pensions.

In January and September, teachers' salaries will rise through special surcharges introduced under the Winter Support programme.

Affordable Medicines programme will be scaled up.

In addition, more than UAH 40 billion is allocated for subsidies to support all Ukrainian families in need of assistance with utility bills.

Due to effective international cooperation, we can continue to rebuild Ukraine and modernise its infrastructure.

Despite the fact that the budget deficit remains high, we clearly understand how we will cover it.

We continue the programme with the IMF.

We keep on with the Ukraine Facility with the EU.

Yesterday a Memorandum with the EU was signed, essential for the allocation of over EUR 18 billion next year from the proceeds of the aggressor's frozen assets.

This funding is part of the G7 package worth more than USD 50 billion, and we expect to receive this package in full in the near future.

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Finally, I will mention decisions related to support for veterans and the new veterans' policy. 

Today, the Government is now approving the Veterans' Policy Strategy for the period up to 2030 and adopts an operational plan for its implementation.

The Veterans' Policy Strategy is a fundamental document that reflects all areas of interaction between the state and veterans: from the initial steps towards a soldier's return to civilian life to the veteran's capacity to contribute to the life of the community, region, and state.

We have three strategic goals.

The first is the well-being of veterans and their families, as well as the restoration of human capital. We are talking about services, treatment, rehabilitation, social guarantees, employment, housing, business, and education.

The second strategic goal is respect and honour. This means recognising the heroic contribution of veterans and honouring the fallen.

The third strategic goal is to ensure national security and defence capability. It is about reflecting the interests and experience of veterans in the National Security Strategy, as well as veterans' participation in shaping national identity and preparing for national struggle.

Today, we shall also approve changes to the programme of free dental treatment for veterans, defenders of Ukraine. Under this programme, each veteran can have their teeth treated free of charge for up to UAH 25,000. More than 11,000 people have already benefited from this programme, so we prolong its operation.

I thank everyone who was fighting and is fighting for Ukraine's independence and freedom.

I am grateful to our power engineers and everyone who brings heating and light back to the homes of Ukrainians.

I thank everyone who works to make Ukraine stronger.

Thank you for your attention.

Glory to Ukraine!