In an evening address on March 16, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the approval of resilience plans for various regions in Ukraine. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fully implement these plans, which are crucial for the country’s stability.
Zelensky highlighted that the availability of financial resources for these initiatives largely depends on Ukraine’s international partners. He pointed to the importance of a previously agreed €90 billion loan from the European Union, stating, “Europe’s word must work. Regardless of the diplomatic situation or global challenges, our regions must be prepared for the next winter, just as we learned from last winter.”
The President also underscored the need for local authorities and communities to take their responsibilities seriously. In addition, he addressed ongoing road repairs in several regions, stressing the significance of maintaining roads near the front lines and in areas involved in the evacuation of the wounded and military logistics.
“Defending the state is our top priority. The Russians are not preparing for peace. We must ensure complete protection, and we are doing this,” Zelensky asserted.
Earlier, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that the government allocated 12.6 billion hryvnias from the 2026 budget for the repair and maintenance of public roads, with 4.6 billion hryvnias earmarked for current works. She also noted an additional 3 billion hryvnias from the state budget’s reserve fund for urgent repairs on high-traffic state roads.
Svyrydenko stated that current repairs on international routes are expected to be completed by May 1, with all major works finished by June 1. On March 4, she had previously announced the allocation of an additional 3 billion hryvnias for pothole repairs in frontline regions and for high-traffic public roads.
President Zelensky confirmed the approval of resilience plans for Ukrainian regions, emphasizing the need for financial support from international partners and highlighting ongoing infrastructure improvements. The government is prioritizing road repairs, particularly in areas critical for military logistics and evacuation efforts.