Zelenskyy says Kyiv authorities are poorly prepared for blackouts

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Kyiv city authorities of almost completely failing to take the necessary steps to implement resilience plans amid Russia's ongoing aggression.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) following a conference call with military officials and government representatives

Quote: "There was a report on the timelines for implementing the resilience plans, particularly in Kyiv Oblast and other regions. Slow-walking this work is absolutely unacceptable, and officials at the Ministry of Infrastructure and regional administrations bear personal responsibility.

We also set specific tasks for Kyiv due to an almost complete failure by the city authorities to take the necessary steps. There was a report on the situation in Pryluky, in the Chernihiv region. I instructed that a full package of decisions discussed with people in Pryluky be prepared by the end of the week."

Details: Zelenskyy also noted that Russian attacks have caused extensive damage to power grids and electricity transmission facilities. Repair work is continuing around the clock.

Ukraine has updated its requirements for energy equipment and air defence packages. The Foreign Ministry and the President's Office team are preparing to communicate these needs to Ukraine's partners.

Background:

• Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has said that intensified Russian attacks have put the capital in a situation where "it is a matter of survival". Residents who have friends or relatives outside Kyiv have been advised to consider temporarily relocating.
• On 8 October, Kyiv's metro stopped operating due to a voltage drop.
• From 5 to 9 October, Ukrzaliznytsia scheduled 18 additional Kyiv City Express shuttle services on the Vydubychi-Darnytsia-Vydubychi route.

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