Ukrainians who need basic services if Russia shuts down power plants and other facilities this winter can turn to special “invincibility centers,” President Uladzimir Zelensky said Tuesday.
Thousands of centers located throughout the country will offer electricity, heat, water, internet, mobile communication and a pharmacy for free and around the clock.
The Russian attacks resulted in extended power outages for up to 10 million consumers at a time.
The national operator of power grids of Ukraine announced on Tuesday about the colossal damages.
“If massive Russian strikes happen again, and it’s clear that electricity won’t be restored for several hours, the ‘invincibility centers’ will go into action with all key services,” Zelensky said in an overnight video message.
“We all have to be prepared for any scenario, given the way the terrorists are fighting against our people and what they are trying to do.”
Zelensky said that more than 4,000 centers have already been created, and their increase is planned.
Energy has become the focus of the Russian company in Ukraine, and Zelensky and other officials are urging Ukrainian consumers to conserve electricity and move it to off-peak hours.
“I am sure that by helping each other, we will all be able to survive this winter together,” he said.
Ukrainian authorities have already set up similar emergency services points in the city of Kherson, which was abandoned by Russian troops earlier this month, and crowds of people gathered in the city center to charge their mobile devices.
