Zelensky to Order Extra Pay for Energy Workers Amid Winter Blackouts

January 20 ------ President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the government would adopt additional measures to support energy workers during the winter season. Russian strikes on energy infrastructure have, as usual, intensified across Ukraine as temperatures have fallen – causing blackouts across the country. Last Wednesday, Zelensky announced a state of emergency in Ukraine’s energy sector.

In a video address posted on Telegram, Zelensky said on Monday that he had agreed with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko that the government would implement additional support measures for Ukraine’s energy workers. “There must be additional monthly payments in light of this emergency situation, for each month, for those of our people who work directly on the ground after the strikes – at the accident sites, in repair crews,” he said. “The state must be grateful to anyone who ensures that Ukraine restores what Russia destroys, Zelensky added.

Zelensky also warned Ukrainians to remain “extremely vigilant” in the coming days. Ukrainian intelligence recently warned that a massive Russian strike is imminent.

On Sunday, Zelensky said that Russian drones have been conducting reconnaissance of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities – with intelligence and energy experts warning that a strike on substations linked to nuclear power plants could trigger a major disaster. “Please pay attention to all raid alerts and every region must be ready to respond as quickly as possible and support people,” Zelensky said.

Source: kyivpost.com