Zelensky Establishes Operational Headquarters in Kyiv Amid Russia's Attacks on Power Grid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared a state of emergency in the energy sector and set up a permanent operational and coordination headquarters in Kyiv to manage repair and relief efforts.

“Ukraine struggles to restore heat, electricity as temperatures plummet to -19 degrees Celsius”

Al Jazeera

The move follows a series of Russian missile and drone strikes that damaged power infrastructure amid severe winter weather.

Al Jazeera

Multiple outlets report the new structure will be overseen by national-level officials.

Anadolu Ajansı says a permanent operational headquarters has been set up in Kyiv and will be overseen by the national government.

EA WorldView reports it will be overseen by Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal.

The BBC notes the First Deputy Prime Minister–Minister of Energy was given oversight after a special cabinet meeting.

Sources describe measures including round-the-clock task forces, expanded emergency help points and steps to boost electricity imports to stabilise supplies during freezing temperatures.

The immediate cause of the emergency is widely reported as successive Russian missile, cruise, ballistic, and drone strikes on civilian energy infrastructure combined with extreme winter weather that plunged temperatures well below freezing.

BBC and NewsBytes reported strikes knocked out power to about 70% of Kyiv for hours.

Anadolu Ajansı

EA WorldView and Novaya Gazeta Europe cite roughly 6,000 apartment blocks initially affected, with around 400 still dark in some updates.

News Arena India and Al Jazeera give figures such as 471 apartment buildings or nearly 6,000 homes lacking heating.

Reports also document fatalities and damage: Anadolu Ajansı notes an overnight strike "killed at least four people, injured 25 and damaged critical infrastructure."

Temperatures between -19°C and -20°C have exacerbated the humanitarian risk.

Local officials and utilities have been working under intense pressure to restore services, but their public stances differ.

“Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held talks on Thursday to prepare a new programme providing expanded financing for 2026–2029, aime”

AnewZ

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko described severe cuts, calling it "the worst power cuts in four years of full-scale war" and warning residents had electricity only about three hours a day, according to Novaya Gazeta Europe.

DTEK and municipal crews are described as operating around the clock or in permanent crisis mode by Novaya, EA WorldView, and Arise News.

President Zelenskyy publicly criticized local authorities for shortcomings and demanded full cooperation, saying Kyiv will require a separate effort, Anadolu Ajansı recorded.

RBC-Ukraine reports local details about left-bank disruptions and the shutdown of centralized heating to protect systems from freezing.

Reports focus on energy companies and international angles.

Ukraine's largest private energy firm, DTEK, is repeatedly described as operating in 'permanent crisis mode' while supplying around 5.6 million people, according to BBC, NewsBytes and Arise News.

Arise News

EA WorldView reports an alleged late-December Russian cyberattack on Poland's energy infrastructure.

Al Jazeera and News Arena India highlight separate Black Sea drone strikes on oil tankers, including vessels chartered by Chevron or bound for the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.

Other outlets emphasize that both sides have struck energy facilities during the war, underlining the wider, cross-border risks to energy networks.

Officials ordered policy and practical steps to limit further harm.

“This video can not be played Watch: Inside Kyiv's 'invincibility train' for residents left without power Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in the country's energy sector, with a particular focus on Kyiv, as ongoing Russian strikes continue to leave thousands of residents without power”

BBC

These steps include expanding inspections and assistance points, boosting electricity imports, simplifying backup supplies, seeking more air-defence support, reviewing curfew measures, and coordinating relief.

BBC

Anadolu Ajansı reports Zelenskyy demanded full local cooperation and said decisions on curfews were expected soon.

Euractiv and NewsBytes note requests to deregulate backup energy supplies and to procure equipment from allies.

The BBC and Al Jazeera describe expanded emergency help points and 24/7 support centres.

Sources vary in tone about the adequacy and speed of these measures, and some municipal leaders publicly contest the president's critique as dismissive.