Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in the country's energy sector, with particular focus on Kyiv, as ongoing Russian strikes continue to leave thousands of residents without power.
The nation is in the midst of a particularly cold winter, with overnight temperatures in Kyiv dropping to around -20C.
After a special cabinet meeting, President Volodymyr Zelensky said a round-the-clock task force would be set up to deal with the damaging consequences of Russian airstrikes and worsening weather conditions.
He accused Moscow of deliberately exploiting the harsh, sub-zero temperatures to target critical infrastructure, including energy distribution facilities.
US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that Ukraine is less ready to make a deal than Russia, implying that peace talks are stalled due to Zelensky's position.
Recently, Kyiv has been particularly affected by Russian attacks, resulting in power losses in 70% of the capital after heavy strikes last week.
Zelensky's measures will include: procuring vital energy equipment and resources from abroad to replace damaged installations and increasing emergency support points across Kyiv for residents.
Russian attacks have also targeted other regions, with over one million people in south-eastern Ukraine reportedly suffering without heating and water due to the strikes.
DTEK, Ukraine's foremost private energy provider, is in permanent crisis mode as it struggles against relentless attacks, CEO Maxim Timchenko disclosed, emphasizing that the operational integrity is constantly under threat.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion nears, the challenges to Ukraine's energy grid remain daunting, with DTEK striving to provide power for 5.6 million citizens amidst ongoing hostilities.
