- Category
- Latest news
Zelenskyy Declares Energy Emergency as Russian Attacks and Severe Cold Leave Ukrainians Without Power
- Authors
![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
On January 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the introduction of a state of emergency in Ukraine’s energy sector, as the country grapples with widespread power and heating outages caused by ongoing Russian strikes and worsening winter conditions.
The announcement followed a high-level emergency meeting focused on the critical energy situation nationwide, with particular attention given to the capital, Kyiv.
“The consequences of Russian strikes, combined with the cold snap, are severe,” Zelenskyy stated. “Repair teams, energy companies, utility services, and emergency responders continue to work around the clock to restore electricity and heating.”
President Zelenskyy outlined three urgent steps:
A permanent coordination headquarters will be established in Kyiv, tasked with managing the emergency locally. Nationwide, the government will enforce a state of emergency in the energy sector. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy will oversee all operational efforts to support communities and resolve urgent logistical challenges.
The government is instructed to accelerate collaboration with international partners to secure essential equipment and aid. In parallel, regulations will be relaxed to allow for faster integration of backup energy systems into the grid. Zelenskyy also confirmed plans to increase electricity imports to ease the domestic burden.
Curfew rules will be reassessed in light of the emergency and freezing temperatures. Citizens must have uninterrupted access to support points, while businesses need the flexibility to plan around the energy crisis.
“Where the security situation allows, curfew restrictions could be lifted for certain cities and communities,” Zelenskyy said, adding that proposals are expected from government ministries and local authorities soon.
Additionally, the president called for an increase in the number of “Points of Invincibility” across Kyiv—designated public shelters offering heating, internet, and power—and for immediate inspections to ensure they are fully operational.
Zelenskyy also requested updated educational plans from the Ministry of Education and local governments to adapt to emergency conditions.
The president stressed the need for tight coordination between national authorities, local administrations, energy providers, and the private sector.
Every article pushes back against disinformation. Your support keeps our team in the field.
“It’s essential that government institutions, businesses, and all levels of local authority act in unison and stay fully coordinated. The outcome of our shared effort depends on each and every one of us,” he said.
“I want to thank all energy companies, regional and local officials, and everyone who is committed to working with the state. Unity must be absolute for the sake of our common result.”
On January 9, Russia struck Kyiv in a large-scale overnight attack, killing at least four people and wounding nearly two dozen others. Among the dead was a medical worker who was killed in what authorities described as a “double tap” strike—a tactic in which a second attack follows the first, timed to hit emergency responders.
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
