ALBAWABA- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a state of emergency in the country’s energy sector, citing severe disruptions from Russian attacks and worsening winter conditions.
The measure, with a focus on Kyiv, aims to address widespread blackouts, heating shortages, and water supply disruptions affecting millions amid subzero temperatures. Zelenskyy said a permanent coordination headquarters would operate in the capital around the clock, directing repair efforts across energy companies, utilities, and the State Emergency Service.
First Deputy Prime Minister and newly appointed Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal will lead the response, coordinating support for affected communities and prioritizing the rapid restoration of critical services. Zelenskyy also ordered a review of curfew restrictions, potentially easing them in certain areas to facilitate relief operations.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says a "state of emergency" will be declared in the energy sector, after Russian strikes on heat and electricity supplies during freezing winter temperatureshttps://t.co/rsnRI0OiDN
— TRT World (@trtworld) January 14, 2026
The emergency follows intensified Russian missile and drone strikes that have damaged or destroyed over half of Ukraine’s power generation capacity since the war in February 2022.
Recent Russian attacks targeted central and eastern facilities, causing rolling blackouts and raising humanitarian concerns, particularly in urban centers like Kyiv.
The strikes form part of Moscow’s broader strategy to undermine Ukrainian resilience by targeting civilian infrastructure during the harsh winter, complicating peace negotiations and stretching national resources as the conflict enters its fourth year.
