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Ukraine declares state of emergency in energy sector
Ukrainian authorities have imposed an emergency regime across the country's energy infrastructure, with Kyiv facing the most severe disruptions after repeated Russian missile and drone attacks. Overnight temperatures in the capital have plunged to -20°C, exacerbating the crisis for residents without power, heating, or running water.
Zelensky accuses Russia of weaponizing winter
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Moscow's strategy, alleging that Russian forces are deliberately targeting energy facilities to exploit freezing conditions. Following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, he announced the creation of a 24/7 task force to repair damage and procure critical equipment from abroad.
"The First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Energy of Ukraine has been assigned to oversee work supporting people and communities under these conditions."
Volodymyr Zelensky, via X
Zelensky also ordered an expansion of emergency aid centers in Kyiv, which could lead to a relaxation of the capital's midnight curfew to facilitate relief efforts.
Trump claims Ukraine less prepared for peace talks than Russia
In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine was "less ready to make a deal" than Russian President Vladimir Putin, attributing stalled negotiations to Zelensky. The Kremlin endorsed Trump's remarks on Thursday, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirming that Russia remains "open to talks."
Both leaders are expected to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland next week, though Trump indicated no formal meeting with Zelensky had been scheduled.
Widespread outages after relentless Russian strikes
Last week's attacks left 70% of Kyiv without electricity for hours, while over one million people in southeastern Ukraine endured prolonged heating and water shortages. DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy provider, reported operating in "permanent crisis mode" due to the frequency of strikes.
"We just don't have time to recover. The waves of drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles keep coming."
Maxim Timchenko, DTEK CEO, to the BBC
DTEK supplies power to 5.6 million Ukrainians, but its CEO warned that the grid's resilience is being tested as the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion approaches.
Humanitarian impact and government response
The energy crisis has forced authorities to prioritize repairs and emergency aid. Zelensky's administration is coordinating international support to replace damaged infrastructure, while local officials in Kyiv are preparing additional shelters to protect vulnerable residents from the cold.
