Zelensky declares energy emergency as biting cold persists

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🗞️ Driving the news: Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in the energy sector, mainly in Kyiv, as ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes leave thousands without power amid freezing winter temperatures
• President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Moscow of exploiting harsh winter conditions to further destabilize the country
• The declaration includes measures to repair energy infrastructure, including procuring essential equipment from abroad

🔭 The context: The energy crisis in Ukraine has been worsened by persistent Russian attacks on vital infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages
• As temperatures drop to -20°C in Kyiv, more than one million people in southeastern Ukraine have also been left without heating and water

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This energy emergency highlights the broader impact of war on civilian infrastructure and the environment
• The ongoing conflict exacerbates Ukraine's energy vulnerabilities, increasing reliance on foreign aid and resources, and straining local resilience in the face of climate-related challenges

⏭️ What’s next: Ukraine’s government has pledged to increase emergency aid points in Kyiv, providing heat and power to residents
• As the conflict persists, Ukraine is poised to continue to battle both military and environmental challenges, with the international community potentially ramping up support in coming weeks

💬 One quote: "The intensity of strikes had been so frequent 'we just don’t have time to recover,' says DTEK’s CEO Maxim Timchenko."

📈 One stat: DTEK, Ukraine's biggest private energy provider, currently powers 5.6 million Ukrainians, operating under constant crisis conditions due to Russian attacks

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