Free hot meals distributed to residents of Kyiv, amid repeated Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's energy sector, on February 8, 2026. PHOTO: Efrem Lukatsky / AP / Profimedia
Senior Ukrainian officials agreed on Wednesday to strengthen air defense capabilities around the capital Kiev to counter possible new Russian air attacks on energy infrastructure, Energy Minister Denis Shmihal announced, according to Reuters.
The new preparations come in the wake of repeated attacks on Kiev in recent days, prompting officials to rush to repair damage to heating and electricity networks, leaving thousands in the cold and dark.
“Most of the information will not be made public. In the context of possible new Russian attacks, we discussed strengthening Kiev's active air defense, especially for energy facilities,” wrote Smîhal, in a statement published on the Telegram messaging application, after a meeting of military personnel.
“We have also identified and prioritized other critical infrastructure facilities that require protection,” the minister added.
Shmihal, who also serves as first deputy prime minister in the Kyiv government, also wrote that the plans were coordinated with government ministries, municipal authorities and energy sector officials.
Earlier on Wednesday, Artem Nekrasov, Ukraine's first deputy energy minister, said the country's nuclear plants, which cover two-thirds of its energy needs, were still unable to operate at full capacity after the latest Russian attacks.
Last week, Russian forces struck thermal power plants and key power substations, forcing nuclear power plants to cut power output.
“Work is underway to restore power plants and high-voltage stations that supply electricity from nuclear power plants,” Nekrasov said in a televised statement.
He added that restrictions on electricity supply remain in place across the country for households and businesses.
Ukraine operates three nuclear power plants with a total capacity of about eight gigawatts, while the country needs about 18 gigawatts. Almost all thermal power plants, which before the war provided more than a third of consumption, were destroyed or seriously damaged.
The production shortfall is covered by the maximum possible imports from the EU, insignificant volumes collected from alternative energy sources and the imposition of large-scale blackouts for consumers.
