Ukraine Enacts Emergency State Amid Winter Energy Crisis

Thu Jan 15 2026 06:24:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As freezing temperatures impact Kyiv, Ukraine declares a state of emergency in its energy sector due to ongoing Russian strikes targeting essential infrastructure.

In response to a severe energy crisis exacerbated by Russian airstrikes and harsh winter conditions, Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the establishment of a round-the-clock task force to address power outages affecting thousands of residents, with temperatures dropping as low as -20C. The emergency measures include the procurement of vital equipment and increasing emergency support centers to aid afflicted communities. The ongoing conflict not only disrupts energy supply in Kyiv but has also impacted over a million residents in southeastern Ukraine, indicating a national crisis as the anniversary of the Russian invasion approaches.

Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in the country's energy sector, with particular focus on Kyiv, as ongoing Russian strikes continue to leave thousands of residents without power.

The nation is in the midst of a particularly cold winter, with overnight temperatures in Kyiv dropping to around -20C.

After a special cabinet meeting, President Volodymyr Zelensky said a round-the-clock task force would be set up to deal with the damaging consequences of Russian airstrikes and worsening weather conditions.

He accused Moscow of deliberately exploiting the harsh, sub-zero temperatures to target critical infrastructure, including energy distribution facilities.

US President Donald Trump commented that Ukraine is less ready to make a deal than Russia, suggesting that it was President Zelensky who was hindering peace talks related to the ongoing conflict.

Recent weeks have seen Kyiv face intensified Russian attacks, with an estimated 70% of the capital experiencing power outages after heavy missile strikes.

In response, Zelensky has planned measures to procure essential energy equipment from abroad, appointing the First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Energy of Ukraine to oversee the effort. The government also aims to increase the number of emergency help points to provide heat and power for residents.

Russian strikes have had a nationwide impact, with over one million people in southeastern Ukraine left without heating or water due to air strikes on energy infrastructure.

DTEK, Ukraine's largest energy provider, reported that it operates under a permanent crisis mode as they confront ongoing and intensifying attacks.