Ukraine extends emergency measures to heating, water and communications

Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers has expanded measures addressing the energy-sector emergency to several other critical areas. The scope now includes heating, water supply and wastewater disposal, transport infrastructure, electronic communications networks, broadband internet infrastructure and data centres.

The change is set out in Cabinet Resolution No. 1292 dated 16 October. The decision had previously applied only to electricity systems.

Ministries assigned to coordinate response

The minister for recovery, infrastructure and transport will coordinate efforts concerning utility systems and transport infrastructure. The minister of digital transformation will oversee communications networks, internet infrastructure and data centres.

The officials must urgently establish a joint headquarters and working groups for the relevant areas.

Earlier energy-sector emergency

On 14 January, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an emergency situation in the energy sector in response to the effects of Russian attacks and worsening weather conditions.

The measures he outlined included increasing electricity imports, simplifying connections for backup equipment and creating a permanent headquarters in Kyiv.