The government has adopted a comprehensive set of measures to tackle the aftermath of the energy emergency.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the move on social media on January 15.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal has been appointed to lead the disaster response efforts. Permanent headquarters have been activated: a national command center and a separate unit for Kyiv and the Kyiv region. They will coordinate the actions of energy workers, utility services, the State Emergency Service, and government authorities on a 24/7 basis.
Curfew restrictions are being eased in areas affected by the emergency. Citizens will be allowed to stay in shopping and entertainment centers functioning as "Invincibility Points" and warming shelters without special passes. These locations must have heating, autonomous power supplies, and stable communications. The easing of restrictions does not apply to entertainment venues. Private vehicle movement is also permitted. The Commission on Technogenic-Environmental Safety and Emergency Situations will define the specific zones for these easements at a meeting tomorrow.
Winter school holidays in Kyiv will be extended until February 1, 2026. This decision does not apply to kindergartens. The Ministry of Education and Science, together with Regional Military Administrations, will determine the need to switch to remote learning or extend holidays in other regions.
Over 10,000 Invincibility Points have been deployed nationwide, with more than 1,200 located in Kyiv. A reserve of 3,300 additional points is ready to be rolled out within 24 hours. Food services are being organized at these points for the duration of the emergency.
The government is also working on classifying residential buildings with electric heating as critical infrastructure to ensure consistent heating. Regional administrations have been given 24 hours to reduce electricity consumption, including limiting external building lighting, illuminated advertising, and excessive street lighting.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the introduction of daily conference calls to coordinate actions during the energy crisis. According to him, Russian strikes have left Ukrainians without electricity for periods lasting 20 to 30 hours.
