The Ukrainian Prime Minister says that the winter season will be difficult and “very difficult”, but 70% of energy needs are covered, reports CNN.

At a cabinet meeting, he said that Russia “will continue to bomb the energy infrastructure; their goal is to freeze Ukraine and commit another genocide of the Ukrainian people.”

Shmigal stated that “all regions of Ukraine, except Kherson region, are provided with electricity. Currently, electricity production in the country covers 70% of consumption needs.”

According to him, Oblenergo is now obliged not to exceed the limits provided by the state electricity supplier NEC “Ukrenergo” and to minimize uneven disconnection of consumers.

There is enough power to spread the burden of forced outages evenly so that people can keep their lights on for at least five to six hours a day, Schmigal said.

The Prime Minister noted that the situation requires powerful anti-aircraft defense and quick repair of damaged electrical equipment.

“As far as air defense is concerned, significant progress has been made over the past month, primarily through the provision of modern Western systems,” he said.

The priority was also the purchase of additional energy equipment, he noted.

“Lithuania alone gave us 114 transformers. Other countries are allocating funds and equipment to help Ukraine survive the winter. Not only Europe, but also the USA, Canada and Japan provide us with substantial support,” he said.

Shmyhal stated that Ukraine’s energy resources are sufficient for the winter months: “We are entering the winter with 14 billion cubic meters of gas in warehouses and 1.3 million tons of coal in warehouses. This resource is almost enough to sustainably survive the winter.”

He also noted that the Ministry of Economy does not anticipate a shortage of fuel and diesel, which will be needed for the hundreds of generators that will be imported.