Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the establishment of a permanent operational headquarters in Kyiv following the declaration of a state of emergency in Ukraine's energy sector. This move comes in response to severe disruptions caused by recent Russian strikes and extreme weather conditions, which have left much of the capital without power. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for improved coordination and cooperation between government and local authorities to address the crisis effectively.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Zelenskyy communicated via the social media platform X after a 'special energy coordination call,' highlighting the particularly challenging situation in Kyiv. He criticized the local authorities, stating that shortcomings at the city level would now be addressed at the government level. Zelenskyy indicated that curfew decisions would be made, and the Interior Ministry would focus on expanding assistance and heating points across cities, with Kyiv receiving special attention.

Zelenskyy further stressed the importance of simplifying and expanding electricity imports and announced plans to meet with the defense minister and Ukraine's Air Force commander to discuss energy facility protection and seek additional air defense support from international partners.

The urgency of these measures follows an overnight Russian strike on Kyiv, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and significant damage to critical infrastructure. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that half of the city's apartment buildings lost heating, urging residents to consider temporary relocation. Russia claimed the attack was retaliation for a purported Ukrainian drone strike on President Vladimir Putin's residence, a claim Kyiv has denied.

Zelenskyy criticized Kyiv's preparedness compared to Kharkiv, a city also targeted by airstrikes. Mayor Klitschko defended the city's response, noting efforts to restore heating to nearly all affected buildings and the dedication of workers addressing the crisis. As of Thursday, 300 buildings remained without heating in Kyiv, while over 1,200 heating points were operational.

In Kharkiv, a major energy infrastructure facility was destroyed, leaving over 400,000 residents without electricity and heat, further complicating the nationwide energy emergency.