ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday announced he will declare a state of emergency for the country's energy sector due to extreme weather conditions and Russian strikes that have left much of Kyiv without power.

“Overall, a state of emergency will be declared for Ukraine’s energy sector,” Zelenskyy said in a statement on US social media company X following a meeting.

Zelenskyy said the consequences of Russian strikes and “deteriorating weather conditions” are severe, with authorities working around the clock to restore electricity and heating.

He said a permanent coordination headquarters will be established to address the situation in Kyiv, and that he tasked the energy minister to “oversee work supporting people and communities under these conditions, as well as to address practical issues.”

"Government officials will maximize efforts with partners to obtain the necessary equipment and additional support. The Cabinet of Ministers will ensure maximum deregulation of all processes for connecting backup energy equipment to the grid during this situation," Zelenskyy added.

He said work is underway to “significantly” increase the volume of electricity imports into Ukraine, and that he also tasked the government with preparing a review of curfew regulations “for this extremely cold weather.”

Last week, an overnight Russian strike on the Ukrainian capital killed at least four people and injured 25 others, while also causing disruptions in energy and water supply due to damage to critical infrastructure.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said half of the capital's apartment buildings, nearly 6,000, lost access to heating, appealing to residents to temporarily leave the city.

Russia confirmed the overnight attack, saying it was carried it out in response to an attempted drone strike by Ukraine on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region late last year. Kyiv has denied the claims, arguing the accusations seek to undermine the diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Earlier Wednesday, Klitschko said about 400 buildings in Kyiv remain without heating, describing the situation in Kyiv as "very complicated."