Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Ukraine Declares Energy Emergency as Kyiv Endures Freezing Blackouts

Ukraine is shifting to emergency power imports to keep heat and electricity flowing to civilians.

Overview

  • New energy minister Denys Shmyhal told parliament that Russia has attacked every Ukrainian power plant, citing 612 strikes on energy assets over the past year.
  • Authorities ordered state firms to procure imported electricity covering at least 50% of their consumption, while President Volodymyr Zelensky reported demand at 18 GW versus roughly 11 GW of available capacity.
  • Kyiv remains the hardest hit with citywide emergency shutoffs; officials said 127 buildings still lack heat, repairs continue around the clock, and some areas receive only a few hours of power.
  • Curfew rules were eased to let residents reach heating hubs, as temperatures plunge to as low as −18 to −20 C and ‘points of invincibility’ provide warmth, charging and hot drinks.
  • Fuel reserves stand at just over 20 days, conservation measures are in place prioritizing critical services, and international support includes £20 million from the U.K. and a reported $200 million grant from Norway for energy repairs.