KYIV, Oct 19 – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, by decree dated October 17, 2023, put into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) of October 17, 2023 on organizing the protection and ensuring safe operation of critical infrastructure and energy facilities of Ukraine in conditions of hostilities.

"The decree comes into force from the date of publication," according to the Office of the President of Ukraine.

In line with the decision of the NSDC, the Cabinet of Ministers must ensure within ten days the implementation of work and measures for proper engineering and physical protection of critical infrastructure facilities, increasing the number and strengthening the defense capability of fire groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and the National Guard of Ukraine, carrying out air defense cover, protection and defense of critical infrastructure facilities.