Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans for a National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) meeting to finalize strategies for the upcoming winter. This initiative aims to enhance the protection and restoration of energy facilities and critical infrastructure across cities and communities.
Zelensky emphasized the need for comprehensive resilience plans for urban and regional areas. In a Telegram post, he mentioned discussions with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov regarding the key priorities and content of draft documents prepared for the meeting.
Each region will receive a specific action plan approved by the NSDC to ensure effective energy management. Zelensky highlighted the importance of preserving and expanding successful strategies from cities and communities that excelled in protecting their energy systems and supporting residents during the previous winter.
Additionally, he noted that specific tasks would be assigned to Ukraine’s air defense system and its collaboration with international partners to strengthen the country’s defenses.
In February, the Ukrainian government tasked all regional military administrations with developing plans for achieving complete energy autonomy. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russian forces have targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with intensified attacks noted since the beginning of the autumn season in 2025.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has classified these assaults on energy facilities as crimes against humanity. The agency reported documenting at least 256 aerial attacks by Russia on energy and heating systems since the start of the current heating season.
President Zelensky has outlined plans for a National Security and Defense Council meeting to establish energy strategies for winter amid ongoing Russian attacks. The initiative focuses on enhancing regional energy resilience and ensuring effective responses to protect critical infrastructure.