Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 20, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 3, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleUkraine’s energy minister expects new Russian strikes as crews race to restore power and heat. Kyiv has 200 teams working nonstop, with Odesa and frontline regions repairing damage amid subzero temperatures.
Feb 20 (Reuters) - Ukraine's Energy Minister said on Friday that he expects new strikes by Russian forces as repair crews proceed with repairs to damage to electricity and heating networks inflicted by previous attacks.
Denys Shmyhal, writing on Telegram after a daily meeting devoted to energy issues, said crews were making progress as weather conditions had improved, with overnight temperatures now a few degrees below freezing.
"At the same time, we have information about the enemy preparing new strikes on the energy sector," Shmyhal said, without providing further evidence.
"Therefore, the task for all services is not only quick restoration but also maximum readiness for the next challenges."
Russian missile and drone attacks have caused serious damage to Ukraine's energy systems, with a series of night-time strikes leaving hundreds of apartment buildings with heating or power.
Shmyhal said 200 repair crews were operating round the clock in Kyiv, which had borne the brunt of a wave of attacks in the past few weeks.
Repair work was also proceeding in the Black Sea port of Odesa, where energy facilities were hit this week and in frontline regions.
(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; editing by Edward Tobin)
Ukraine’s energy minister warns of new Russian strikes on the power and heating networks while repair crews continue restoration efforts across Kyiv, Odesa and frontline regions.
Roughly 200 crews are operating in Kyiv, which has faced heavy damage. Work is also progressing in Odesa and other frontline areas hit by recent missile and drone strikes.
Cold weather persists with temperatures a few degrees below freezing, but improving conditions are helping accelerate repairs to electricity and heating infrastructure.
Explore more articles in the Headlines category
