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Ukraine Increases Energy Imports Amidst War

Published January 16, 2026, 10:20
Ukraine Increases Energy Imports Amidst War

Ukraine is facing a severe energy shortage due to ongoing Russian bombardments of its energy network. The country's new Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal, has ordered state-owned companies to increase electricity imports, aiming to cover at least 50% of total consumption during the 2025-26 heating season. The exact amount of energy produced and imported remains confidential for security reasons. Russian attacks have caused widespread power outages and heating disruptions in many cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, where 400,000 people have been left without electricity. Residents are forced to warm up and charge their devices in makeshift emergency centers. The government has eased curfew restrictions to facilitate citizens' access to these centers. The Kremlin maintains that the attacks target only military installations, while blaming Kyiv for refusing to accept Russian peace proposals. The situation is critical, as temperatures have dropped significantly in many regions. Increasing energy imports is an attempt to mitigate the consequences of the attacks and ensure the basic functioning of the country during the winter.