In response to the worsening situation in the energy sector, caused by attacks and adverse weather conditions, Zelensky reported that repair crews and utility services are working around the clock to restore electricity and heating. These words were spoken during a meeting dedicated to the emergency circumstances in the energy sector. The President of Ukraine also ordered an increase in electricity imports from other countries and the possibility of revising curfew rules. Under the state of emergency, local authorities can lift the curfew in certain settlements.
Zelensky criticized the Kyiv authorities for their insufficient preparedness for power outages, especially in the capital. "We specifically looked at the situation in some cities — especially in Kyiv. <…> Very little has been done in the capital. Even recently, I did not observe the necessary intensity — this needs to be urgently corrected," he noted.
In response to the criticism, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko accused Zelensky and his supporters of "constant hate." Klitschko asked: "What 'intensity' does he not see in Kyiv's work under emergency conditions, particularly in recent days?"
The mayor also explained that his recent call to leave Kyiv was an attempt to honestly warn about the difficult situation, not a sign of weakness. "Meanwhile, it’s just hate. I urged those who can to temporarily leave so as not to freeze without light and heat. I openly warn people about the real difficulties, and I do not care about any ratings or elections," Klitschko wrote.
"I am responding to you publicly because in the last four years, you and I, Mr. President, have not met even once," he added.
Earlier that same day, Klitschko reported that the situation in Kyiv is "very complicated," and such a scale of difficulties has not been seen in four years of war. According to him, about 400 high-rise buildings in the capital remain without heating, and authorities plan to restore heat in some of them by the evening of January 14. After the attack on January 9, 6,000 homes lost their heating supply.
"On the right bank, the heating situation is more stable, while on the left bank, it is significantly more complicated," Klitschko noted. He also added that the schedules for power outages in Kyiv are not functioning, and the city is operating under an emergency outage regime.
