Zelensky demanded a realistic assessment of Ukraine's stability from the NSDC
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the National Security and Defense Council must provide a more realistic assessment of Ukraine's readiness for key threats. Based on the work in this area, new decisions have already been made, the head of state reported on August 10.
“The National Security and Defense Council requires a more realistic assessment of all parameters of Ukraine's resilience. New decisions have been made,” – Zelensky wrote.
The content of the new decisions and the timeline for their implementation were not disclosed in the president’s message.
The statement came several days after an NSDC meeting dedicated to the implementation of comprehensive regional resilience plans and the country's preparation for the fall-winter period of 2026/2027. At the meeting on August 5, the authorities checked how regions and major cities have fulfilled previously assigned tasks. At the same time, a comprehensive resilience plan for Kyiv was approved.
Zelensky outlined three main areas of preparation: strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure, ensuring the necessary quantity and quality of shelters, and increasing capabilities to counter ballistic threats. The president emphasized that part of the necessary decisions depends not on Western partners, but directly on Ukrainian authorities and regions.
Separately, the authorities are assessing the readiness of the energy, gas and water supply systems for possible new Russian strikes. During the NSDC meeting, the state of repair and construction works, backup power supply and alternative energy sources for infrastructure, protection of energy and gas equipment, establishment of repair reserves and fuel stockpiles were discussed.
At the same time, the president previously stated that several cities and regions are lagging behind the approved plans. He demanded a detailed assessment not of the mere existence of documents, but of the actual implementation of measures and the real needs of each region. Officials' responsibility for winter preparation is defined as personal.
The NSDC first approved comprehensive regional resilience plans in March. They encompass the protection of critical infrastructure and major energy facilities, recovery after Russian attacks, and the creation of additional capabilities for the energy system. Regional authorities are obliged to regularly report on the implementation of these plans to the government and the NSDC.
The NSDC decision also stipulates that the measures necessary to get through the heating season must be carried out in a timely manner, and if the situation changes, plans must be promptly adjusted. To coordinate the work, the government was instructed to combine the efforts of relevant ministries, law enforcement agencies, energy companies, and local authorities.
Following the inspection in early August, Zelensky effectively demanded a shift from evaluating the fulfillment of individual items to a broader picture of the country's resilience. However, it is currently unknown what additional indicators the NSDC will take into account and what specific changes the decisions announced by the president on August 10 entail.
Based on materials: Volodymyr Zelensky, NSDC of Ukraine
