Zelensky says to declare 'state of emergency' in Ukraine's energy sector

Ukrainian President Zelensky said Wednesday a "state of emergency" will be declared in the energy sector, due to the deteriorating weather conditions. Zelensky added that former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has been appointed as first deputy prime minister and minister of energy for Ukraine to address the issue.

He also said that he ordered the government to scale up efforts to get support from allies, deregulate backup energy supply and review curfew rules. Authorities in Kyiv and the surrounding region rolled out emergency power cuts, saying freezing temperatures were complicating their work.