Emergency Meeting on Energy Crisis
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened an urgent meeting to address a critical situation in the nation's power grid. The most severe conditions are being reported in Kyiv and the regions of Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, and Dnipropetrovsk, where numerous households are without electricity and heating. This crisis is part of the ongoing strain on Ukraine's infrastructure following repeated attacks.
As of the morning of January 21, 2026, most of Kyiv remains without power. Data from January 20 indicates over one million consumers in the capital are without electricity, and approximately 4,000 buildings lack heating. Nearly 60% of Kyiv's population has no access to power. Consequently, a decision has been made to mobilize 100% of the personnel from companies involved in repairing the damage from Russian strikes.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated: 'Repair crews, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, and workers from energy and utility companies are fully engaged.'
However, he also expressed dissatisfaction with the current assessment of the situation, emphasizing that 'additional measures and resources are required.' The President stressed that 'a lack of effective local response cannot be blamed solely on a personnel shortage.'
Critical State of the Energy System
The situation within Ukraine's energy system remains critical, with authorities implementing all necessary measures for improvement. With a significant portion of the population lacking electricity and heat, ensuring a rapid response and effective coordination between various services is paramount. This underscores the urgent need for additional resources to restore energy infrastructure and improve conditions for citizens during the winter months.