Russias Strikes Hit Ukraines Energy Infrastructure

Ukraine’s Energy Minister Orders Emergency Imports of Electricity Amid Widespread Power Outages

The Ukrainian government has announced an emergency plan to import electricity as the country struggles with widespread power outages due to Russian strikes on its infrastructure. Denys Shmyhal, the new energy minister, told parliament that there are currently no operational power plants in Ukraine that have not been targeted by Russian forces.

Shmyhal stated that the situation is most critical in the capital city and several regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Odesa. Thousands of homes near the front line in eastern Ukraine have been without electricity for days due to subzero temperatures. The minister has ordered state companies to procure imported electric energy during the 2025-26 heating season, with a goal of meeting 50% of total consumption.

The ministry estimates that Ukraine’s fuel reserves will last only 20 days. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has introduced measures to help alleviate the crisis, including reducing overnight curfews and extending school holidays in Kyiv. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has launched an international appeal for funds to support Ukraine’s energy needs.

Norway has made an initial grant of $200m towards this effort. The situation remains dire, with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reporting that 300 apartment buildings remain without heat after a recent attack on the city’s power grid. Kharkiv’s Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that a large energy facility was destroyed in Ukraine’s second-largest city, leaving emergency crews working around the clock to restore services.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the attack left 400,000 people without electricity. The situation continues to evolve as Russia presses its military offensive and Kyiv faces pressure from the US to secure a peace agreement.

Source: Al Jazeera