Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia continues to target the country’s energy system with nightly strikes, even as thousands of workers labor around the clock to restore power and heating and Kyiv presses diplomatic efforts to end the war. In a statement published on the presidential website, Zelenskyy described widespread repair operations, growing international support, and ongoing talks with U.S. officials, while warning that Moscow’s actions show little interest in diplomacy.
Zelenskyy said he received briefings throughout the day from Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal on restoration efforts following Russian attacks. Nearly 58,000 workers are currently engaged in repairing power grids, generation facilities, and heating networks across the country, supported by resources from Ukrzaliznytsia and other state-owned companies. In Kyiv, where conditions remain especially difficult, 50 additional repair crews have been deployed from other regions.
If the Russians seriously wanted to end the war, they'd focus on diplomacy—not on missile strikes, blackouts, and even attempts to damage our nuclear power plants.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 18, 2026
We have information about the sites Russia reconnoitered in preparation for strikes. Everything clearly shows that… pic.twitter.com/xXgoUqNDbz
He said many buildings remain without heating, particularly in Kyiv and the surrounding region, including the northern areas and the Boryspil district. Repairs are also ongoing in border and frontline regions where work is complicated by near-constant shelling. Zelenskyy highlighted Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia as areas receiving special attention, while noting that significant stabilization work has been carried out in Poltava and Odesa.
Zelenskyy thanked energy workers, public and private companies, and local leaders for their efforts, calling their cooperation critical to Ukraine’s resilience. He said decisions to increase electricity imports are now being implemented and expressed gratitude to international partners supplying essential resources and equipment. In particular, he noted that support packages from Italy have begun arriving following discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
He also pointed to continued attacks on Ukraine’s gas sector, including a recent strike on gas production facilities, and praised the state energy company Naftogaz for continuing operations despite repeated strikes. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of private companies working alongside the government and public institutions, saying national resilience depends on unified action.
On diplomacy, Zelenskyy said he received briefings from Ukraine’s delegation in the United States, where Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has held multiple rounds of talks with envoys of U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Zelenskyy, work is underway on documents aimed at ending the war, and Ukraine is keeping U.S. officials fully informed about Russia’s ongoing strikes on civilian energy infrastructure.
“If the Russians seriously wanted to end the war, they’d focus on diplomacy – not on missile strikes, blackouts, and even attempts to damage our nuclear power plants,” Zelenskyy said. He added that Ukraine has information about sites Russia has reconnoitered in preparation for attacks, arguing that Moscow’s actions demonstrate diplomacy is not its priority. Zelenskyy said Ukraine will work in the coming week to build additional international pressure on Russia, stressing that the root cause of the war remains in Moscow.
Zelenskyy also praised Ukrainian forces defending key positions despite harsh weather and constant assaults, highlighting units operating in the Huliaipole, Kupyansk, Kharkiv, Pokrovsk, Sumy, Ocheretyne, and Orikhiv directions. He thanked specific brigades and regiments for what he described as strong battlefield results and dedication under difficult conditions.
“I thank everyone who works so that our Ukraine lives,” Zelenskyy said, closing his address with the traditional salute, “Glory to Ukraine!”
