“A meeting on emergency situation in Ukraine’s energy sector, with special attention to Kiev” was declared last night by Ukraine’s acting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Earlier, Kiev’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko had called upon residents to temporarily leave the city, if at all possible, to which Zelenskyy took exception. Yesterday’s actions included a private exchange between the two, in which, reportedly, Zelenskyy complained that he “didn’t see any progress,” that Kiev had done “very little” to correct the situation. Afterwards, Klitschko posted that they were doing everything possible and that he was forced to respond publicly, as he and Zelenskyy hadn’t met in person for four years.
From his report on his emergency meeting, it appears the measures agreed to were dwarfed by the need to make it appear action was being taken. Zelenskyy said that “a state of emergency” would be declared, “a permanent coordination headquarters” would be set up, the Energy Minister would be involved, “efforts with partners to obtain the necessary equipment and additional support” would be maximized, and they would work to import more electricity. Finally, in Kiev, “the number of Points of Invincibility must be increased, and existing ones inspected…. Glory to Ukraine!” The “Points of Invincibility” are locations with generators where people can go for heat and electricity overnight.
