Ukraine declares “state of emergency” in energy sector after wave of Russian attacks. Unprecedented situation in Kyiv
Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo credit: dts Nachrichtenagentur / imago stock&people / Profimedia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Wednesday that a “state of emergency” would be declared in the energy sector to combat the effects of constant attacks on infrastructure by Russian forces, according to Reuters and AFP.
The consequences of the Russian attacks, in the current weather conditions, “are serious”, Zelensky said, quoted by Ukrainska Pravda.
“A permanent coordination headquarters will be established to address the situation in the city of Kiev. In total, a state of emergency will be declared for the energy sector of Ukraine,” the Ukrainian leader said after a meeting on the situation in the sector.
He specified that work is being done “to significantly increase the volume of electricity imports to Ukraine.”
“Repair teams, energy companies, municipal services and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine continue to work around the clock to restore electricity and heating. Many problems require urgent resolution,” the Ukrainian president added.
The Minister of Energy was appointed to lead the efforts to support the population and localities in these conditions and to solve the practical problems.
Unprecedented situation in the capital of Ukraine, says the mayor
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Wednesday that the situation remains “very difficult” in the capital, where around 400 multi-storey buildings still lack heating, according to The Kyiv Independent.
“It is the first time in four years of large-scale war that we see a situation of such magnitude,” the mayor said on Telegram.
Russian forces have stepped up drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure in recent days, leaving people without electricity and heating in sub-zero temperatures.
The head of Ukrenergo, Vitaliy Zaicenko, told the Kyiv Independent on Tuesday that Russian forces are trying to disconnect the capital from the electricity grid and force people to flee the city. About 70 percent of Kyiv remained without electricity, the official said.
