Ukraine Sets Winter Readiness as Priority

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country’s new government must prioritize preparations for the next winter while strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and protecting energy supplies. In an address on July 16, Zelenskyy said the government, led by Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi, had begun its work.

Zelenskyy highlighted Koretskyi’s previous leadership at state-owned energy companies Ukrnafta and Naftogaz, saying his experience would help Ukraine prepare for possible Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. He said Ukraine would continue investing in long-range capabilities and mid-range strikes while ensuring it could maintain gas supplies and protect civilians through the winter.

The president also announced changes in Ukraine’s defense leadership. Yevhenii Khmara, former head of the Security Service of Ukraine’s Alpha special operations center, will serve as acting defense minister. Zelenskyy said Khmara would oversee long-range operations by Ukraine’s security forces, which he described as a priority. He also said the government was working on procedures to appoint an acting foreign minister and planned to review Ukraine’s diplomatic missions abroad.

Zelenskyy said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had visited Ukraine and announced a new defense package from the United Kingdom and Sweden worth €300 million to help bring Gripen fighter jets into service. He also cited discussions with Türkiye’s foreign minister, saying Ankara would support efforts to arrange a leaders’ meeting aimed at ending the war.