Ukraine has been forced to declare a state of emergency, as hundreds of thousands were left without electricity, heating, and water in Kyiv.

President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media, announcing the creation of a 24-hour working group in the capital to coordinate crisis management. The initiative will be led by the recently appointed Minister of Energy, Denis Shmyhal.

“Repair crews, energy companies, municipal services, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine continue to work around the clock to restore electricity and heating,” his X post announced.

“The consequences of Russian strikes and deteriorating weather conditions are severe,” he wrote, adding that all teams are working around the clock.

A meeting on emergency situation in Ukraine’s energy sector, with special attention to Kyiv.

The consequences of Russian strikes and deteriorating weather conditions are severe. Repair crews, energy companies, municipal services, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine… pic.twitter.com/l85R3I6c6A

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 14, 2026

He said the Kyiv government is stepping up cooperation with partners to procure critical energy equipment, increase electricity imports, and provide additional support. The regulation of connecting backup generators to the grid will also be simplified for the duration of the state of emergency.

Zelensky additionally ordered a review of the midnight curfew, which has been in place since the start of the war. The aim is to allow residents to reach so-called “Points of Invincibility” set up across Kyiv at any time of day, providing electricity and heating. He also said he would open more points in the capital.

“People must have the greatest possible access to assistance points, and businesses – every opportunity to plan their operations according to the situation in the energy system. In Kyiv, the number of Points of Invincibility must be increased, and existing ones inspected,” his post reads.

Russia has been relentlessly attacking Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine in recent days. Yesterday, about 70 percent of the Ukrainian capital was left without electricity. Repair work is being hampered by the freezing cold, and backup equipment is running low.

“It is crucial that state institutions, businesses, and all levels of local government now work coherently and in coordination. The outcome of each contributes to the collective result for the entire country. Glory to Ukraine!” Zelensky concluded his post.