Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector, particularly in Kyiv, as continued Russian strikes leave thousands without power. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Moscow of exploiting the harsh winter conditions as part of its war strategy.
Ukraine Declares Energy Emergency Amid Russian Strikes
Overnight temperatures in Kyiv have recently dropped to around -20C. The declaration follows comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated he was holding up efforts to secure a peace deal to end the nearly four-year war with Russia.
Trump told Reuters that Ukraine “is less ready to make a deal” than Russian President Vladimir Putin and, when asked why peace talks have not yet resolved the conflict, responded: “Zelensky.” Both leaders are expected to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland next week, though Trump indicated no formal meeting was planned.
Recent Russian attacks on Kyiv have left thousands of homes without power, heating, or running water. A particularly heavy barrage of missile and drone attacks last week left 70% of the capital without power for several hours.
Following a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Zelenskyy announced the formation of a round-the-clock task force to address damage caused by Russian strikes and worsening weather. The new measures will focus on 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,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. He also ordered an increase in emergency help points around Kyiv, potentially leading to a relaxation of the current midnight curfew.
Russian attacks have not been limited to Kyiv. Ukrainian officials reported last week that over one million people in south-eastern Ukraine were left without heating and water supplies due to Russian air strikes.
Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, stated the company is in “permanent crisis mode” due to repeated Russian attacks on the grid. He told the BBC last month that Russia has targeted DTEK’s energy grid with “waves of drones, cruise and ballistic missiles,” making recovery difficult.
Timchenko added that the frequency of strikes has been so intense “we just don’t have time to recover.” DTEK currently provides power for 5.6 million Ukrainians.
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