Zelensky enacts NSDC decision on regions' preparations for winter

The decision is set out in Decree No. 838/2026, dated August 31 and published on the president's website, according to Ukrinform.

"To enact the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine dated August 5, 2026, 'On the status of implementation of comprehensive resilience plans for individual regions and approval of the Comprehensive Resilience Plan for the Kyiv territorial community'," the decree states.

Under the decision, the authorities took note of the prime minister's information on the implementation of comprehensive resilience plans by regional state (military) administrations and mayors, including the scope of measures already completed and the realistic prospects for implementing them before the start of the 2026/2027 heating season.

Officials were warned of personal responsibility for failure to implement the comprehensive resilience plans, as well as for delays or improper implementation.

The decision also approved the Comprehensive Resilience Plan for the Kyiv territorial community. In addition, the mayor of Kyiv was reminded of personal responsibility for preparations for and the stable operation of the city's 2026/2027 heating season.

The Cabinet of Ministers, for its part, must immediately update the comprehensive resilience plans, taking into account the realistic prospects for completing the measures envisaged before the start of the 2026/2027 heating season. The government must also, together with the Kyiv City Military Administration and the mayor of Kyiv, continue co-financing the city's Comprehensive Resilience Plan and take measures to ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure operators.

Together with Ukrzaliznytsia, the Cabinet of Ministers must also take measures to restore and replenish rolling stock, including locomotives, damaged or lost as a result of Russian aggression. This includes introducing state aid programs, attracting international funding and simplifying public procurement procedures.

Regional and Kyiv city state (military) administrations, together with businesses regardless of ownership, must conduct command-and-staff exercises within a month to prepare for possible emergencies at heating, electricity, gas and water supply facilities. Before the start of the heating season, they must also increase backup power capacity for essential services, including heating and water supply facilities, by 20% in line with the targets set out in the comprehensive resilience plans.

In addition, local authorities must maintain fuel reserves sufficient for at least two weeks, prepare apartment buildings for autonomous operation and equip them with independent backup power supplies. Heat and electricity companies must protect critical components of their facilities and create reserves of equipment, spare parts and materials for emergency repairs before the start of the 2026/2027 heating season. Regional and Kyiv city military administrations will monitor implementation of these measures.

Control over implementation of the decision has been assigned to National Security and Defense Council Secretary Ihor Klymenko.

The decree took effect on the day of its publication.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine