Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared a state of emergency in the countryâs energy sector, warning that continued Russian attacks combined with severe winter weather are pushing the system to breaking point.
The emergency declaration, with a particular focus on Kyiv, follows weeks of missile and drone strikes that have repeatedly damaged power, heating and water infrastructure. Overnight temperatures in the capital have dropped to around minus 20 degrees Celsius, leaving thousands of residents struggling without reliable electricity or heat.
Zelensky accused Russia of deliberately exploiting the harsh winter as part of its military strategy. After a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday, he announced the creation of a round-the-clock task force to repair damaged energy facilities and respond to worsening weather conditions.
The president said Ukraine would seek critical energy equipment and resources from abroad to replace destroyed installations. He also ordered an expansion of emergency heating and power points across Kyiv, a move that could lead to a relaxation of the cityâs midnight curfew.
The declaration comes amid renewed diplomatic tension. US President Donald Trump said he believed Ukraine was âless ready to make a dealâ than Russia, suggesting Zelensky was holding up progress on peace talks aimed at ending nearly four years of war. Both leaders are expected to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland next week.
Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have affected areas well beyond the capital. Ukrainian officials say more than one million people in the south-east were left without heating and water for hours last week following air strikes.
Ukraineâs largest private energy provider, DTEK, says it is operating in permanent crisis mode. Its chief executive, Maxim Timchenko, said the company has faced relentless waves of drone, cruise missile and ballistic missile attacks, leaving little time to repair the grid. DTEK currently supplies electricity to around 5.6 million people across the country.
Erizia Rubyjeana
About the Author
