Overview
- President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a nationwide energy-sector state of emergency after Russian strikes crippled power systems during severe cold, with Kyiv recording temperatures near minus 18 to 19 degrees Celsius at night.
- Kyiv activated a permanent coordination headquarters, moved to expand shelters and assistance points, and tasked Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal with supervising relief and boosting electricity imports.
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine is running out of time to accept Moscow’s terms, urging a decision to meet Russia’s demands while noting communication channels with the United States remain open.
- President Vladimir Putin called for a peace arrangement as soon as possible tied to a new security architecture, warning Russia will continue pursuing its objectives if others are not prepared.
- President Donald Trump described Zelensky as an obstacle to a deal, a view the Kremlin endorsed, as NATO and European leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine and pointed to Russia’s rejection of a U.S.-backed peace framework.