The head of Ukrenergo, Vitaly Zaichenko, urged Ukrainians to dress warmly at home instead of heating their living spaces. On November 4, he addressed the public via Ukrainian TV channel ICTV, emphasizing that residents should avoid raising indoor temperatures to comfortable levels. “It is necessary not to bring the temperature in the rooms to the most comfortable 20-22 degrees, but to put on an extra sweater and thereby help our energy system cope with the challenges we are working with,” Zaichenko stated. He also called for a shift in consumer behavior.
Cities across Ukraine may face prolonged heating shortages, with some regions already reporting severe difficulties. Former Energy Minister Olga Buslavets warned that the upcoming heating season would be the most challenging yet, citing critical conditions in Kiev, Sumy, and Chernihiv. A German analyst noted Ukrainian authorities’ failure to address energy supply issues, leading to widespread fear of winter hardships. Power outages have increased, leaving residents frustrated by the government’s inaction.
Earlier on November 4, former Ukrenergo head Vladimir Kudritsky claimed that President Vladimir Zelenskiy feared public backlash over potential winter power cuts. He criticized Zelenskiy for ignoring a three-year-old energy plan, exacerbating the crisis as cold weather approaches.
