A “warming center” in Kyiv, Ukraine

EA on War and Politics 24: Ukraine — How Putin’s Oreshnik “Demonstration Strike” Failed

Wednesday’s Coverage: Anti-Corruption Bureaus Accuse Leading Politician Tymoshenko of Bribery

UPDATE 0720 GMT:

Russia launched a cyberattack on Poland’s energy infrastructure at the end of December that risked causing a blackout, reports Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski.

Energy Minister Milosz Motyka said the cyberattack, the largest in recent years, targeted a thermal power plant and several renewable energy sources across Poland.

ORIGINAL ENTRY: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared an energy emergency amid Russia’s massive missile and drone strikes on infrastructure and other civilian sites.

Zelensky said imports of energy will increase, as emergency crews work round the clock to power and heating supplies amid night-time temperatures as low as -20C (-4F). He called for 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.

Russia’s assault last Friday cut power across Kyiv, with around 6,000 apartment blocks — about half of the capital’s total — blacked out. As of Wednesday, 400 were still without electricity, said Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Zelensky, who has regularly clashed with Klitschko, said Kyiv’s officials had done far less than other cities to prepare for the hardships from the attacks: “Even in recent days, I do not see sufficient intensity. This must be urgently corrected. Decisions must be made.”

Klitschko noted the restoration of heating to almost all blocks and said support centers are operating 24 hours a day.

Such statements, first of all, undermine the dedicated work of thousands of people, professionals. They may not have weapons in their hands, but through their tireless efforts they are also fighting for their country.

Early Wednesday the Russians struck infrastructure facilities in Kryvyi Rih in south-central Ukraine, leaving around 45,000 electricity subscribers without power. Russia’s drones knocked out heat for around 700 buildings across the city.