Zelensky declares energy emergency as Kyiv freezes without power

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Wednesday that the country would declare a state of emergency in the energy sector. The reason for this is extensive damage to infrastructure following repeated Russian attacks, which have disrupted electricity and heat supplies, particularly in Kyiv.

The situation is further exacerbated by extreme cold, with nighttime temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees Celsius. Zelensky described the consequences of the attacks and the weather as serious and stressed that several problems require immediate solutions.

The coordination of crisis management will be led by the newly appointed Minister of Energy and Deputy Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who will take charge of a special command center in the capital. The government is also working to increase electricity imports from abroad.

(reuters, pir)