Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued an urgent appeal to Western allies for accelerated deliveries of air defense missiles, revealing that several critical defense systems had been completely depleted until a recent shipment arrived on Friday. Speaking against a backdrop of relentless Russian bombardment targeting energy infrastructure, Zelensky characterized current Western supplies as “insufficient” despite the day’s “substantial package” of missiles.
The president’s stark warning comes as Ukraine endures one of its most severe humanitarian crises since the invasion began. With temperatures plunging to -19°C (-2°F), thousands of civilians across multiple regions face life-threatening conditions without heating or electricity. Kyiv’s mayor announced extended school closures through February while implementing emergency measures to address what he described as the capital’s first complete heating collapse and “huge electricity shortage” of the war.
Zelensky emphasized that missile deliveries don’t guarantee immediate relief: “It doesn’t mean that winter will end for us tomorrow. And it doesn’t mean that tomorrow the enemy will stop bombing us.” He criticized nations stockpiling ammunition while Ukraine fights for survival, stating pointedly: “If we are at war, we really need it. And in some countries, there is no war.”
The energy crisis has prompted drastic government actions, including a declared state of emergency in the energy sector and the appointment of former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as energy minister. Officials accuse Moscow of deliberately exploiting extreme winter conditions as a weapon, with Shmyhal telling parliament Russia was “betting it can break us through energy terror.”
Amid the devastation, thousands of energy workers race against time to repair bombarded plants and substations. Kyiv has eased curfews to allow residents access to emergency heating hubs, while officials previously suggested civilians consider temporarily relocating to conserve resources.
In a parallel development, Zelensky revealed Ukrainian negotiators were en route to the United States for ceasefire discussions, potentially culminating in agreements during next week’s World Economic Forum in Davos if American counterparts agree to finalized terms.
Meanwhile, Russian strikes continued through Friday, killing two people in the central city of Nikopol as intelligence warnings indicated preparations for larger-scale attacks loom.