Energy in winter, relations with EU: Zelensky convenes Congress of local authorities

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine chaired in Ivano-Frankivsk on Sunday a meeting of the Congress of local and regional authorities.

That’s according to the President’s Office, Ukrinform reports.

"There are three major topics on the agenda of the Congress. The first is energy and the protection of our energy infrastructure from attacks by Russian terrorists. It is obvious that this autumn and winter, the enemy will try to repeat the terror against the Ukrainian energy industry. We must be ready for this both at the state level and at that of each community, each of our cities and villages," Zelensky said.

The second topic, according to the head of state, is Ukraine’s work with partners. In particular, the Peace Formula and the preparation of the Global Peace Summit, security guarantees for Ukraine on the path to NATO, relations and negotiations with the Alies regarding Ukraine's accession.

"And also there’s the key task of Ukraine for this year in relations with the European Union: the start of negotiations on Ukraine's membership. I believe it is a right thing that all of you should be informed about the specifics of this international work of ours," said the president.

And the third issue, as Zelensky noted, is “extremely emotional” today - it is people's perception of the efforts undertaken by the central government and local authorities through the prism of budget spending at different levels.

"The budget is always a reflection of the priorities of the state, region, and community. Currently, the top priority everywhere in Ukraine can be only one: defense. The second priority is the social stability of Ukraine: of every city, every community, that is, it is the protection of people’s normal lives," Zelensky said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on July 30 in Ivano-Frankivsk, President Volodymyr Zelensky visited a rehabilitation center where he conferred awards on Ukrainian defenders.

Photo: President’s Office