Zelenskyy Holds Emergency Meeting on Energy Security Amid New Russian Threats.

Emergency Meeting Held on February 16, 2023

According to Novyny.live: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened an emergency meeting on February 16, 2023, to address the critical situation in the nation's energy sector. During the meeting, he detailed new threats from Russia, which continues its missile campaign targeting Ukraine's critical infrastructure. The President issued specific directives to Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko, Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov, and the head of Ukrenergo, Vitalii Zaichenko, to strengthen the protection of energy facilities.

The Critical Importance of Energy Security

Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of maintaining pressure on Russia.

'Every Russian missile is the aggressor's answer to calls to end the war, and that is precisely why we insist: only with sufficient pressure on Russia and clear security guarantees for Ukraine can this war truly be ended.' — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Furthermore, the President instructed the government to expand the supply of 'warmth packages' for Kharkiv to approximately 90,000 units. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported on preparations for an upcoming energy-focused 'Ramstein' meeting scheduled for later that week in France.

'Representatives from the G7, partners from Northern Europe and the Baltics, as well as ministers from the US, Canada, and the EU will be present. We have identified the specific items we need.' — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The discussions underscored the acute relevance of Ukraine's energy security amid escalating Russian threats and the urgent need for decisive action to ensure national stability. This meeting highlights that protecting the energy grid remains a top priority for Ukraine, especially given Russia's ongoing military aggression. The planned participation of international partners in events like the energy 'Ramstein' signals the crucial role of global support in helping Ukraine achieve energy stability and security. Efforts to reinforce the defense of energy infrastructure further underline the necessity of preparedness for potential new attacks from the aggressor state.