Kyiv: Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector, with a particular focus on Kyiv, after sustained Russian attacks on critical infrastructure left thousands of residents without electricity, heating and running water during freezing winter conditions.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of deliberately exploiting the harsh weather as part of its war strategy, noting that overnight temperatures in the capital have recently fallen to around -20°C. The emergency declaration follows weeks of intensified strikes that have crippled essential services across the city.
The announcement comes with renewed political controversy, after US President Donald Trump claimed that efforts to secure a peace deal were being delayed because Ukraine was less ready to make a deal than Russia. Trump blamed Zelenskyy directly when asked why negotiations had failed to end the conflict. Both leaders are expected to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland next week, though Trump indicated there were no formal plans for a meeting.
Russian attacks have repeatedly hit Kyiv’s power infrastructure. After a particularly heavy barrage of missiles and drones last week, around 70 percent of the capital was left without electricity for several hours. Many homes continue to face irregular access to heating and water.
Following a special cabinet meeting, Zelenskyy announced the creation of a round-the-clock national task force to oversee emergency repairs and coordinate the response to damage caused by strikes and extreme weather. He said Ukraine would seek urgent support from international partners to procure critical energy equipment to replace damaged facilities.
Zelenskyy stated that, “The First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Energy of Ukraine has been assigned to oversee work supporting people and communities under these conditions.”
The president also ordered an expansion of emergency help points across Kyiv to provide residents with warmth, electricity and basic services. Officials indicated that the measures could lead to a relaxation of the current midnight curfew in parts of the city.
The crisis extends beyond the capital. Ukrainian authorities reported last week that more than one million people in south-eastern regions were left without heating and water for hours following further Russian air strikes.
Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK — Ukraine’s largest private energy provider said the company is operating in permanent crisis mode due to relentless attacks on the grid.
DTEK currently supplies electricity to around 5.6 million Ukrainians, but the growing scale of damage is placing unprecedented strain on the country’s energy system as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches.
TOP PICKS | ISS crew returns to Earth early after medical emergency in Orbit
