President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has ordered immediate acceleration of electricity and power-equipment imports after Russia-damaged infrastructure left Ukraine's grid meeting roughly 60% of demand. Planned power cuts are now in force across most regions, with Kyiv among the worst affected and many apartment blocks losing heating as temperatures fell to about -16°C (3°F). The government and Naftogaz discussed additional gas imports after Naftogaz brought in 5.7 billion cubic metres last year; Ukraine began importing gas in spring 2025 following repeated attacks on production facilities.
Zelenskiy Orders Immediate Surge in Electricity and Power-Equipment Imports as Ukraine Faces Severe Energy Emergency
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy looks on as he meets his Czech counterpart Petr Pavel, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
KYIV, Jan 17 — President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has ordered that imports of electricity and additional power equipment be expedited immediately as Ukraine confronts its most severe wartime energy crisis.
The government declared an energy emergency after sustained Russian strikes left the power system able to meet only about 60% of the country's electricity needs. The crisis has been worsened by exceptionally cold weather, with temperatures plunging to around -16°C (3°F) in parts of the country.
"All decisions for this are already in place, and the increase in imports must proceed without delay," Zelenskiy wrote on X after a meeting with senior government and military officials.
Planned Outages and Local Impact
The Energy Ministry said scheduled power cuts are in effect across most regions. The situation is particularly acute in and around Kyiv, where residents endured prolonged blackouts and dozens of apartment buildings were left without heating as temperatures fell sharply.
Gas Supplies and Naftogaz
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the government and state energy company Naftogaz discussed importing additional gas this year, but she did not provide figures. She noted Naftogaz imported 5.7 billion cubic metres of gas last year using state financing and support from international partners.
Ukraine was compelled to begin importing gas in the spring of 2025 after hundreds of Russian drones and missiles targeted gas production facilities. Naftogaz reported that Russia struck its gas production sites six times this week alone.
Outlook
The government is prioritising rapid procurement of electricity and equipment while managing controlled outages to protect the grid. Officials say imports and international assistance are key to stabilising supplies as winter continues and infrastructure repairs proceed.
Reporting by Olena Harmash; editing by Toby Chopra and Kevin Liffey.
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