Ukrainians without electricity for 20–30 hours: Zelenskyy calls for stronger pressure on Russia

The President recalled that on January 15, Russian forces once again attacked critical infrastructure in several Ukrainian cities. Kharkiv, Kyiv, border regions, as well as the Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions, were hit.

"We will step up contacts with our partners. I have just spoken with Mark Rutte, including about the PURL program and our ability to purchase air defense missiles," he said.

Zelenskyy added that he also discussed diplomatic efforts with the United States. Ukraine is not an obstacle to peace. Russian missiles, drones, and the Kremlin’s attempts to destroy Ukraine are what stand in the way.

"When, because of Russia, Ukrainians are without electricity for 20–30 hours, when Russian strikes are aimed at breaking our energy system and our people, it is Russia that must be pressured," the President concluded.

On January 15, Russian forces struck Kharkiv amid the threat of ballistic missile use. It later emerged that a major energy facility had been destroyed as a result of the attack, and work is underway to deal with the aftermath.

Explosions were heard in Mykolaiv on the morning of January 15. Later, an explosion was also reported in Dnipro during an air raid alert amid the threat of ballistic missiles. Russian forces also attacked Kryvyi Rih, where a drone attack caused a fire and damaged infrastructure.

Overall, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation, after Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago on December 28, 2025, Russia has launched more than 3,500 drones and nearly 100 missiles at Ukraine.

Due to the consequences of Russian attacks and worsening weather conditions, Zelenskyy said on January 14 that a decision had been made to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector.