Zelensky declares state of emergency for Ukraine’s energy sector as temperatures drop

Ukraine has fuel reserves for more than 20 days, the country’s energy minister told parliament on Friday as a state of emergency was declared in its ailing energy sector.

Denys Shmyhal said the overall energy situation was very difficult as the country grapples with an onslaught of Russian attacks against vital power infrastructure.

"There is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that the enemy has not attacked,” he said, assessing that winter preparations have “failed” in some cities and regions.

Shmyhal, who took office earlier this week, said the most challenging situation remains in the capital Kyiv, the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv and Odesa, and in towns near the frontline, where thousands of homes have been without electricity and heating for days in subzero temperatures.

President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of deliberately exploiting the -20C winter conditions to target power stations and energy storage facilities as he introduced the state of emergency on Wednesday.

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"The consequences of Russian strikes and deteriorating weather conditions are severe," Zelensky wrote on social media.

"Overall, a state of emergency will be declared for Ukraine’s energy sector ... Many issues require urgent resolution."

Aid groups warn that struggling families face “severe consequences” without power as Ukraine endures its harshest winter of the conflict.

Jaime Wah, IFRC Deputy Head of Delegation in Ukraine, told the UN press briefing on Friday: “Many families we speak to have almost no capacity left to cope. Our research with thousands of households across Ukraine shows that seven in ten people have no more savings.

“Rising prices for food, fuel, and medicine mean many families are being forced to choose between heating their homes, buying food, or accessing essential healthcare. These are choices no one should make.”

Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, said this week residents should leave the city if they could to free up critical resources.

Crews have been working around the clock to restore power and heating supplies struck by Russia last week, particularly in the capital, Kyiv.

Repairs to thousands of apartment buildings have been compounded by bitterly cold conditions.

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Zelensky said that not enough had been done to deal with the aftermath of the attacks.

The state of emergency would allow authorities “more options and flexibility”, he said.

Mr Zelensky called for the establishment of more centres where residents can stay warm and charge their electronic devices.

He also said nightly curfews could be lifted in areas where the security situation permitted it.

The president accused Kyiv of doing considerably less than other major centres, notably Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, to prepare for the hardships inflicted by the attacks.

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"Even in recent days, I do not see sufficient intensity," he said.

"This must be urgently corrected. Decisions must be made."

Mayor Klitschko, who has previously been at odds with Mr Zelensky over the defence of the capital, rejected the president's criticism.

Writing on Telegram, he said that heating had been restored to all but about 400 of 6,000 affected apartment buildings and support centres were operating 24 hours a day.

"Such statements, first of all, undermine the dedicated work of thousands of people, professionals," Mr Klitschko wrote.

"They may not have weapons in their hands, but through their tireless efforts they are also fighting for their country."

In his remarks, Mr Zelensky said a permanent coordination headquarters would be set up in Kyiv.

Denys Shmyhal, the newly appointed first deputy prime minister and energy minister, would oversee the work.

He said work was under way "to significantly increase the volume of electricity imports into Ukraine".

He also urged the military to hold their positions along the 1,200km (775 mile) front line and diplomats to keep pursuing efforts on documents needed to secure peace.

"From our side, maximum productivity is required," he said.

"We expect the same level of energetic work from the American side. I personally very much expect this."