Last winter, the aggressor Russia carried out repeated and massive attacks on energy supplies throughout Ukraine. The consequences were devastating for the civilian population, who could be left without electricity or heat for long periods – often when the temperature was below zero.
— We must prepare for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of attacks with drones and rockets against our infrastructure, Zelenskyy said.
He noted that last winter’s hardships led to a strengthened air defense and improved infrastructure.
— All our attention must be directed to our defense, to everything that Ukraine can do to make it easier for our people to get through the winter – and to improve the capabilities of our forces.
The defense of Ukraine’s airspace includes robotic systems such as the American Patriot, but Zelenskyy stated that the air defense system did not yet protect all of Ukraine and that it needs to be improved.
The president’s warning was published shortly after his adviser Andriy Jermak announced that a Ukrainian delegation had arrived in Washington DC for meetings with counterparts on issues related to “a strengthening of the defense of Ukraine”.
“We will have meetings with the White House, Congress, think tanks and non-governmental organizations,” Jermak said when he arrived.
The Ukrainian delegation is led by Yulia Svyrydenko, who is the first deputy prime minister of Ukraine since 2021 and also the minister of trade.