Zelenskyy Pushes Faster Power Imports as Ukraine Faces Energy Emergency
President orders immediate action from partners
ISTANBUL — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday directed officials to speed up electricity imports and secure additional energy equipment from international partners as Ukraine continues to face a serious energy emergency.
Following a high-level energy coordination call, Zelenskyy said authorities are already prepared to act. In a statement posted on X, he stressed that all required decisions are in place and that increased imports must begin without delay.
Damage from strikes worsens crisis
Zelenskyy said officials reviewed reports on repairing damage caused by recent Russian strikes and discussed steps to strengthen the resilience of cities and local communities. These measures aim to stabilize power supplies and reduce disruptions during extreme winter conditions.
Earlier this week, Ukraine declared a state of emergency after severe weather and intensified attacks on energy infrastructure further weakened the power system.
Kyiv among hardest-hit areas
The situation remains especially critical in Kyiv, where major power outages followed strikes on January 9. According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, nearly 6,000 apartment buildings, around half of the capital’s residential housing, temporarily lost access to heating.
Klitschko urged residents to consider leaving the city until conditions improve. Later on Saturday, he reported progress, noting that about 50 buildings were still without heat.
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PRESS UPDATE