Zelensky: Preparations underway to protect Ukraine's critical infrastructure through winter
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President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 9 that plans are being implemented to protect Ukraine's energy and critical infrastructure from Russian missile and drone strikes through the winter.
According to Zelensky, these plans are being coordinated with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the Energy Ministry, Ukraine's state-owned energy companies Ukrenergo, Ukrhydroenergo, and Naftogaz, and the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces.
"All tasks have been assigned. Work is ongoing," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
Ukraine is also preparing to protect Odesa Oblast's ports and an established grain corridor to export its agricultural products abroad.
The Ukrainian navy set up a temporary corridor to protect merchant ships leaving Ukraine's waters since Moscow refused to extend the Turkey- and UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative in July.
Since then, Russia has been launching strikes against Ukraine's Black Sea ports and regional grain reserves.
Russian forces started targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure last fall, plunging the country into widespread blackouts over the winter, causing millions of dollars in damage, and killing civilians.
Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on Sept. 3 that Ukraine was strengthening its air defense to prepare for Russia's potential mass attacks on critical infrastructure facilities this fall.
Plans are also being implemented to protect Ukraine's front-line territories, Zelensky added.
