Government adopts package of measures to ensure relevant agencies can provide assistance during adverse weather conditions

The Government has approved a series of measures to ensure that all relevant services are prepared for adverse weather conditions and that people can receive assistance in a timely manner, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has announced.

"We expect weather conditions in Ukraine to deteriorate across the country starting tomorrow. A cyclone will enter Ukraine through Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk regions at around 4 a.m. According to forecasts, temperatures will drop to below 20°C at night and below 10°C during the day. Additional unscheduled power outages are possible due to snow accumulation on power lines and traffic complications on the roads.

Ukraine's energy system is under daily attack from the enemy, and energy workers are working in extremely difficult conditions to provide people with light and heat. The deterioration in weather conditions is putting additional strain on critical infrastructure. We are working to minimise the impact of the bad weather," said Yulia Svyrydenko.

In particular, the Government has instructed:

The Ministry of Internal Affairs, together with the State Emergency Service and the National Police, to ensure the readiness of snow removal and heavy engineering equipment, off-road vehicles, and mobile heating points. And, if necessary, to promptly deploy them to assist traffic participants.

The Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development, regional and Kyiv regional state administrations, together with local authorities, must ensure a timely response to eliminate the consequences of bad weather, in particular, prepare fuel reserves and ensure that roads are treated with anti-icing mixtures.

Relevant ministries and services should prepare to deploy emergency response centres in case of interruptions in electricity, heat, gas or water supply, as well as communication problems.

The Ministry of Energy, together with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, and state-run energy companies, should ensure the stable operation of the energy system, the readiness of repair crews to respond quickly, and, if necessary, increase electricity production and gas supply, including the possibility of imports from EU countries.

Yulia Svyrydenko urged people to be careful, to limit travel during peak severe weather conditions if possible, and to follow the announcements of local authorities and relevant services.