Ukraine’s energy minister orders state firms to secure imports for 50% of consumption as Russian attacks leave cities without power and heating.
KYIV: Ukraine’s new energy minister has ordered state companies to dramatically increase electricity imports from abroad.
The directive comes as the country’s energy grid struggles under a systematic Russian bombing campaign.
Engineers and rescue crews are working in sub-zero temperatures to restore damaged power plants and substations.
“State companies, primarily Ukrainian Railways and Naftogaz, must urgently ensure the procurement of imported electric energy during the 2025-26 heating season amounting to at least 50 percent of total consumption,” Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said.
The minister did not provide current data on Ukraine’s electricity generation or imports.
Authorities have withheld such information due to wartime sensitivities.
Recent Russian drone and missile attacks have plunged entire cities into darkness.
Millions have been left with sporadic or no heating as temperatures drop to -20C in some areas.
In Kyiv, traffic lights have been powered down and shops and restaurants closed.
Residents have been using state-provided tents to warm up and charge their phones.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 400,000 people were left without electricity in Kharkiv after attacks.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said strict curfew rules would be eased to allow access to emergency hubs.
The Kremlin states its attacks only target military facilities.
It has previously blamed civilian suffering on Kyiv’s refusal to accept Russian peace demands.
