Zelenskyy declares state of emergency in Ukraine's energy sector

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting on emergency circumstances in Ukraine's energy sector, with particular focus on the situation in the city of Kyiv. Among the decisions is the establishment of a headquarters in the capital, revision of curfew rules, and introduction of deregulation for connecting backup power equipment.

Sources: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)

Quote: "The consequences of Russian strikes and deteriorating weather conditions are severe. Repair crews, energy companies, municipal services and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine continue to work around the clock to restore electricity and heating. Many issues require urgent resolution. I thank everyone involved and working at full efficiency."

Details: Zelenskyy said that, first, a headquarters will be set up to coordinate the situation in the city of Kyiv and will operate on a permanent basis. A state of emergency will be introduced across Ukraine's energy sector.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Ukraine has been designated to lead efforts to support people and hromadas under these conditions and to resolve practical issues. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories – ed.]

Second, government officials will step up work with partners to secure the necessary equipment and additional support. The Cabinet of Ministers (Ukrainian government) will introduce maximum deregulation for the duration of the emergency to speed up the connection of back-up energy equipment to the grid.

Quote: "Work is also underway to significantly increase the volume of electricity imports into Ukraine."

More details: Third, Zelenskyy instructed the government to prepare a review of curfew rules for the period of such extremely cold weather. People should have the maximum possible access to support centres, and businesses should have greater ability to plan their operations in light of the situation in the energy system.

Quote: "In Kyiv, the number of Points of Invincibility must be increased, and existing ones inspected. We expect proposals from the Ministry of Education and Science and from local authorities regarding formats for the educational process during this state of emergency."

More details: Zelenskyy stressed the importance of state institutions, business and all levels of local government working together in a coordinated manner.

Quote: "The outcome of each contributes to the collective result for the entire country."

Background:

• First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said earlier that Kyiv was far less prepared for Russia's large-scale strikes on energy facilities than Kharkiv.
• For the second day running, planned outage schedules have not been in effect in the city of Kyiv with emergency cuts being applied.
• It was also reported earlier that emergency power cuts continue in the capital, with the situation broadly as follows: about 3 hours with electricity and up to 10 without.

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