President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared a state of emergency for Ukraine's entire energy sector as the country battles a severe winter freeze and a relentless Russian campaign targeting its power infrastructure.
Capital and Frontline Regions Face Deepening Crisis
The situation is described as "very difficult" by the nation's newly appointed Energy Minister, Denys Shmyhal. He revealed to parliament on Friday that not a single power plant in Ukraine has been left untouched by Russian attacks, forcing the admission that winter preparations have "failed" in some areas.
The most acute problems are concentrated in the capital Kyiv, where approximately 200,000 people have been left without power, alongside the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Odesa. Towns near the sprawling frontline are also suffering, with thousands of homes enduring days without electricity or heating as temperatures have dropped to a bitter -20 degrees Celsius.
Humanitarian Catastrophe Looms for Vulnerable Families
Aid organisations are issuing stark warnings about the human cost. Speaking at a UN briefing, Jaime Wah, the IFRC Deputy Head of Delegation in Ukraine, stated that many families have "almost no capacity left to cope." Research indicates that seven out of ten households have exhausted their savings, forcing impossible choices between heating, food, and medicine.
"These are choices no one should make," Wah emphasised. In response to the crisis, authorities are establishing round-the-clock warming centres where residents can find heat and charge essential devices.
Political Tensions Surface Amid Repair Efforts
While repair crews work non-stop, political friction has emerged. President Zelensky publicly criticised Kyiv's municipal authorities, led by Mayor Vitali Klitschko, for not doing enough compared to other cities like Kharkiv. "Even in recent days, I do not see sufficient intensity," Zelensky stated.
Mayor Klitschko firmly rejected the criticism on Telegram, asserting that heating had been restored to all but about 400 of 6,000 affected apartment buildings in the capital. He defended the work of thousands of professionals, saying their tireless efforts constituted a form of fighting for their country.
New Coordination Headquarters and Import Plans
To manage the emergency, President Zelensky announced the creation of a permanent coordination headquarters in Kyiv, to be overseen by Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal. The state of emergency is intended to grant authorities greater flexibility and options.
Key measures include:
- Lifting nightly curfews in areas where security allows.
- Working to significantly increase electricity imports into Ukraine.
- Maintaining fuel reserves, which the minister said currently last for more than 20 days.
Zelensky concluded by urging maximum productivity from all sides, including Ukrainian diplomats pursuing peace and the military holding the 1,200-kilometre front line, while also expressing strong expectations for energetic support from American partners.
