Electricians carry out emergency repairs on a power pole after a transformer burned out due to a voltage surge caused by regular Russian air attacks on the country's energy infrastructure in Kyiv region, Ukraine, Wednesday, January 14, 2026. DAN BASHAKOV / AP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday, January 14, a "state of emergency" will be declared in the energy sector, after relentless Russian strikes on heat and electricity supplies during freezing winter temperatures.
Moscow has hit Ukraine with daily drone and missile barrages in recent months, targeting energy infrastructure and cutting power and heating in the frigid depths of winter.
"A permanent coordination headquarters will be established to address the situation in the city of Kyiv. Overall, a state of emergency will be declared for Ukraine's energy sector," Zelensky said after holding a meeting on the situation.
He also said that he ordered the government to scale up efforts to get support from allies, deregulate backup energy supply and review curfew rules. "Work is also underway to significantly increase the volume of electricity imports into Ukraine," the president added.
