A building burns after Russian strikes on Kharkiv city in northeast Ukraine, January 15, 2026

Thursday’s Coverage: Zelensky Declares Energy Emergency

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has told the nation that “Russia must be put under pressure”, as the country resists Moscow’s missile and drone strikes seeking to break energy infrastructure.

Zelensky said in his nightly address:

Russia has escalated its nightly assaults on energy facilities and other civilian sites, hoping to break Ukraine before its 47 1/2-month full-scale invasion is halted.

Ukraine and Europe have obtained US involvement in security guarantees for Kyiv, as part of a 20-point plan for a ceasefire and Ukrainian recovery. Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — less than three months after working with the Kremlin on a 28-point ultimatum to Ukraine to surrender more territory and keep the rest of the country permanently weak — are expected to visit Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin soon for discussions about the Ukraine-Europe documents.

On Thursday, the Russians destroyed a large energy facility in Ukraine’s second city Kharkiv. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said emergency crews are working around the clock, while Governor Oleh Syniehubov said officials are assessing the extent of damage.

Crews are still trying to restore power in Kyiv after last Friday’s massive missile and drone strikes knocked out supply to around half of the capital’s 6,000 apartment blocks. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said about 300 apartment buildings remain without heat.

On Wednesday, Zelensky declared an energy emergency amid night-time temperatures as low as -20C (-4F). Imports of energy will increase, and there will be more centers where residents can stay warm and charge electronic devices.

A permanent coordination headquarters will be set up in Kyiv. It will be overseen by Denys Shmyhal, the newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister.

Ukraine Prime Yulia Svyrydenko announced measures reducing overnight curfews and allowing businesses and government institutions to import more power. School holidays in Kyiv have been extended until February 1.

The UK was among countries announcing emergency energy support, allocating £20 million ($27 million). Norway made an initial grant of $200 million.

Zelensky Meets Former Military Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny

Zelensky hosted Ukraine’s former military Commander-in-Chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, on Thursday.

The President said of the discussion with Zaluzhnyi, who is currently Kyiv’s Ambassador to the UK, “I thanked him for his work as part of Ukraine’s team. We discussed the diplomatic tasks that are relevant now and could strengthen all of us — Ukraine, our resilience.”

Zalushnyi is expected to be Zelensky’s strongest challenger if both stand in the next Presidential election. In a survey in December, the President had 22% support in a first-round vote, and Zaluzhnyi 21%.

In a hypothetical runoff, Zaluzhnyi secured 64% of the vote and Zelensky 36%.

Zelensky also met the head of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, to discuss Ukraine’s financial needs amid the ongoing Russian assault.