Zelensky to Declare State of Emergency in Ukraine’s Energy Sector

January 15 ------ President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a state of emergency in Ukraine’s energy sector – prompting a review of Ukraine’s regional curfew rules and the establishment of an energy headquarters in Kyiv, among other special measures.

In recent weeks, Russian missile attacks have created disasters verging on a humanitarian crisis by targeting energy infrastructure across Ukraine. Early Tuesday, a massive overnight Russian drone attack on Kryvyi Rih knocked out heat to more than 700 apartment buildings as temperatures dropped to –7°C (+19°F). Writing on Telegram, Zelensky announced plans to combat the “severe” consequences of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure and worsening weather conditions in three main areas.

Firstly, he said, a special headquarters will be established in Kyiv to coordinate a full-time response to the energy crisis. Denys Shmyhal, narrowly approved as energy minister and first deputy prime minister on Wednesday after the Verkohvna Rada rejected his first appointment a day earlier, will oversee the project. Shmyhal’s predecessor resigned after being implicated in a far-reaching energy corruption scandal that shook the foundations of Zelensky’s government late last year.

Secondly, officials will cut red tape and explore new avenues to find a long-term solution to the energy crisis. “Government officials will maximally intensify work with partners to obtain the necessary equipment and additional support,” Zelensky said. “The Cabinet of Ministers will ensure maximum deregulation of all processes for connecting backup energy equipment to networks for the duration of such a situation.” The government is also seeking to increase electricity imports into Ukraine, he added.

Finally, Zelensky said that he had instructed his government to prepare a review of Ukraine’s curfew rules during this coldest period of the year. “People should have maximum opportunities to use support points, and businesses should have the opportunity to plan work taking into account the situation in the power system,” he said.

Source: kyivpost.com