Ukraine Plans Border Defense, Road Repairs

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of communities in the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions in Slavutych on May 21 to address border security, infrastructure repairs and energy resilience. The meeting included senior government officials and was also attended by videoconference.

Zelenskyy said authorities had decided to reinforce personnel in the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction, citing continuing security threats. Officials discussed strengthening fortifications and air defense capabilities in communities bordering Belarus. The president called for additional equipment and resources, saying funding was available for defense measures in the area.

The meeting also focused on regional energy resilience plans. Zelenskyy urged communities to complete preparations for alternative power sources by September, saying reliable backup energy would be needed during possible disruptions.

Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said the government planned to allocate UAH 3.5 billion from the state budget reserve fund for local road repairs, particularly in frontline areas, through co-financing arrangements. Restoration Minister Oleksii Kuleba said work in the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions was scheduled to begin June 1.

Officials also discussed additional support for businesses in border communities and higher pay for staff at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko said salary decisions were expected in June, according to the presidential office.