Ukraine Faces Energy Crisis Amidst Harsh Winter and Ongoing Conflict

Thu Jan 15 2026 15:00:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

With temperatures plummeting to -20C, Ukraine declares an energy emergency as ongoing Russian strikes leave thousands without power. President Zelensky critiques Moscow's tactics amid the harsh winter.

Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in the energy sector as President Zelensky accuses Russia of exploiting the harsh winter to further its war strategy. With recent temperatures in Kyiv dropping around -20C and thousands lacking power, Zelensky announced measures to address the crisis. This includes setting up a task force to repair infrastructure and increase emergency aid points. As the conflict approaches its fourth anniversary, both Zelensky and U.S. President Trump hinted at stalled peace negotiations.

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

President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of deliberately exploiting the harsh winter conditions as part of its war strategy, with overnight temperatures in Kyiv recently dropping to around -20C.

The declaration comes as Zelensky's U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, stated he was hindering efforts to secure a peace deal to end nearly four years of war with Russia.

He told the Reuters news agency that Ukraine is less ready to make a deal than Russian president Vladimir Putin.

When asked why peace talks have not yet resolved the conflict, Trump responded: Zelensky.

The two leaders are both expected to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland next week, although Trump suggested no formal plans were arranged for them to meet.

In recent weeks, Russian attacks on Kyiv have left thousands of homes without regular power, heating, or running water. Following a heavy night of missile and drone strikes, last week saw 70% of the capital without power for several hours.

During a cabinet meeting, Zelensky announced a round-the-clock task force would be established to fix the damage caused by Russian strikes and adverse weather conditions.

He said that new measures would include procuring critical energy equipment and resources from abroad to replace the damaged installations.

Zelensky mentioned that the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy would overlook efforts supporting communities affected by these conditions.

Additionally, he ordered an increase in the number of emergency help points around Kyiv to provide heat and power for residents, which could lead to the relaxing of the current midnight curfew in the capital.

Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have not been limited to the capital. Ukrainian officials reported that over one million residents in south-eastern Ukraine faced hours without heating and water due to recent Russian strikes.

DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy provider, operates under constant crisis mode due to Russian attacks on the grid, CEO Maxim Timchenko stated. He elaborated that the intensity of strikes has made recovery efforts almost impossible as the frequency leaves little time for restoration.

DTEK currently provides power for 5.6 million Ukrainians.