Translated with AI
A state of emergency will be declared in Ukraine's energy sector amid ongoing Russian attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this on Telegram on Wednesday, January 14.
According to him, the consequences of the Russian strikes, combined with worsening weather conditions, are having a severe impact on the power supply system. "Repair crews, energy companies, utility services, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine continue to work around the clock to restore electricity and heating," the president noted following a meeting on the country's energy emergency.
The meeting focused on the situation in Kyiv. Zelenskyy announced the creation of a headquarters to coordinate actions in the capital, which will be permanently operational to monitor and respond to emergencies in the city.
As part of the emergency response, the Ukrainian authorities intend to intensify their work with partners to secure the necessary equipment and additional support. All processes for connecting backup power equipment to the grid will also be deregulated. "We are also working to significantly increase electricity imports to Ukraine," the president added. He emphasized that the government will also review curfew regulations for periods of extremely cold weather.
Kyiv is facing a dire situation, with approximately 400 multi-story buildings without heat. Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced this on Telegram. According to him, authorities plan to restore heat to some buildings by the evening of January 14. Following Russia's massive attack on the capital on January 9, 6,000 homes lost heat.
"The heating situation on the right bank is already more stable. It's more challenging on the city's left bank," Klitschko noted. He added that hourly power outage schedules are currently not in effect; the city is operating on an emergency schedule.
According to DTEK data cited by the mayor, Kyiv residents are experiencing emergency power outages: "Power is out for approximately three hours and up to ten hours, and in some areas it's even longer—there's no power." Klitschko warned that such emergency power outages will continue in the near future.
Earlier, Ukraine's new Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal criticized the city's authorities for inadequate preparation for the winter.
Amid power outages in the capital, heated tents have been set up to provide assistance to Kyiv residents without heat and electricity.
