Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky has declared a state of emergency in the country’s energy sector, citing relentless Russian attacks and extreme winter weather as pushing the system to its limits.
The emergency, focused particularly on Kyiv, comes after weeks of missile and drone strikes that have repeatedly damaged power, heating, and water infrastructure.
Temperatures in the capital have plunged to around minus 20 degrees Celsius, leaving thousands without reliable electricity or heat.
Zelensky accused Russia of intentionally targeting the energy sector to exploit the harsh winter and announced a 24-hour task force to repair damaged facilities and respond to worsening conditions.
He also ordered an expansion of emergency heating and power points across Kyiv, potentially relaxing the city’s midnight curfew.
The declaration coincided with ongoing diplomatic tensions, with U.S. President Donald Trump claiming Ukraine is “less ready to make a deal” than Russia in ongoing peace negotiations.
Both leaders are scheduled to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland next week.
Russian attacks have disrupted energy supply beyond the capital, leaving over one million people in southeastern Ukraine without heating and water for hours last week.
DTEK, the country’s largest private energy provider, said it is operating in permanent crisis mode, struggling to keep electricity flowing to 5.6 million people amid repeated strikes.
