Kiev freezing without power. Zelensky: 'Task force for restoration underway'

In Kiev, the thermometer is now hovering between minus 12 and minus 17 degrees Celsius and there is no chance to warm up: the Russian offensive has left the population without water and electricity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared a state of emergency in the energy sector throughout the country, particularly in the capital. The head of state announced that a task force will be set up to coordinate the 24-hour response, adding that newly appointed Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal will lead efforts to support citizens and communities in emergency measures.

"The consequences of the Russian attacks and worsening weather conditions are severe," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. A spokesperson for Ukraine's largest private energy company, Dtek, said the gravity of the situation in Kiev and across Ukraine requires unprecedented coordination between authorities and energy suppliers. "We welcome President Zelensky's decision to implement emergency measures in response to this unprecedented situation, including the establishment of a permanent coordination headquarters," he said, specifying that "Dtek's teams on the ground are working around the clock to restore power to the affected regions and we are grateful to all energy operators in Ukraine for their commitment under such extreme conditions."

The government,' the president said, 'will intensify efforts with foreign partners to purchase essential energy equipment, increase electricity imports and provide additional support, while simplifying the rules for connecting backup energy equipment to the grid during the state of emergency.

Zelensky went on to explain that he had ordered a revision of the night curfew - in force since martial law was introduced at the beginning of the large-scale Russian invasion - to allow citizens unrestricted access to the 'invincibility points' set up throughout Kiev, which provide electricity and heating. The city is planning to add more. "Repair teams, energy companies, utilities and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine continue to work around the clock to restore the supply of electricity and heating. Many problems require urgent solution," Zelensky wrote.

The Ministry of Education and local authorities will send proposals to the government on how children can attend school during the state of emergency. In recent days, Russia has bombarded Kiev and the country with missiles and drones, leaving around 70% of the capital without electricity on 13 January. While power workers repair the damage, freezing temperatures make work difficult and spare equipment is running out.