In brief
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared a state of emergency in the country's energy sector due to severe power outages in Kyiv and surrounding areas resulting from ongoing Russian airstrikes. With temperatures plummeting to -20°C, the government aims to implement measures to bolster energy infrastructure and provide vital support to affected communities. Zelensky has accused Russia of targeting critical energy facilities during the winter period, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in the country's energy sector, with particular focus on Kyiv, as ongoing Russian strikes continue to leave thousands of residents without power.
The nation is in the midst of a particularly cold winter, with overnight temperatures in Kyiv dropping to around -20C.
After a special cabinet meeting, President Volodymyr Zelensky said a round-the-clock task force would be set up to deal with the damaging consequences of Russian airstrikes and worsening weather conditions.
He accused Moscow of deliberately exploiting the harsh, sub-zero temperatures to target critical infrastructure, including energy distribution facilities.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Ukraine is less ready to make a deal than Russia, suggesting it was Zelensky who was stalling peace talks for the nearly four-year-long war.
In recent weeks, Kyiv has been particularly affected by Russian attacks, leaving thousands of homes without regular power, heating, or running water. After one particularly heavy night of missile and drone attacks last week, 70% of the capital was left without power for several hours.
Zelensky said the new measures would include procuring vital energy equipment and resources from abroad to replace damaged installations.
The First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Energy of Ukraine has been assigned to oversee work supporting people and communities under these conditions.
Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have not been limited to the capital. Last week, Ukrainian officials said that more than one million people in south-eastern Ukraine spent hours without heating and water supplies as a result of Russian air strikes.
DTEK, Ukraine's biggest private energy provider, is living in permanent crisis mode because of Russian attacks on the grid. The company had found it difficult to cope amidst continuous waves of strikes.
The increased emergency measures will include an expansion of aid points across Kyiv to provide relief for residents suffering from the severe weather conditions.
