20 January 2026

Curfew easing: what you should know

(The image is generated by AI)

In some regions of Ukraine, due to the state of the energy sector during severe frosts, curfews may be relaxed. The rules are changing.

"In areas with an emergency in the power sector, the curfew may be relaxed. This means that you can stay on the streets and in public places near the Points of Unbreakable and Heating, as well as move by private transport to them," said Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.

The emergency response commission will decide where the curfew will be relaxed.

"The emergency response headquarters or the regional administration may determine additional measures to ease the curfew, taking into account the situation on the ground. The territory where these curfew relaxations are in effect will be determined by the emergency response commission," the Prime Minister said.

Earlier, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the possible lifting of the curfew in some regions due to the difficult situation after the onset of severe frosts and Russian strikes.

In addition, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal spoke about a number of tasks identified jointly with the government.

Due to the critical situation in the energy sector in Ukraine:

  • The work of the Headquarters for Emergency Response in the Energy Sector and the Headquarters for Emergency Response in the Electricity Systems of Kyiv and Kyiv Region is being intensified. The first meetings of both headquarters have already been held.
  • The rules for the movement of citizens on the streets during the curfew are being changed. People will be able to move freely to get to the "Points of Unbreakability", including at night.
  • It is recommended that the NEURC review and simplify the connection of backup power equipment to the grid as soon as possible. Review and approval of the project in 2 days. Obtaining technical specifications - 2 days. Inspection and sealing of the metering unit also takes 2 days.
  • Redistribution of backup equipment between regions, taking into account the criticality of needs for life support facilities.
  • State-owned companies, primarily Ukrzaliznytsia and Naftogaz, must urgently ensure the purchase of imported electricity during the 2025/26 heating season in the amount of at least 50% of total consumption.

For ordinary citizens, the press service of the National Police of Ukraine provided more details on the situation with the curfew easing.

The report says that the curfew is allowed to be relaxed in the territories that are in the energy emergency zone.

According to the new rules:

  • It is allowed to travel on foot or by vehicle solely for the purpose of going to the Points of Unbreakability or heating points.
  • You must have an identity document with you. During martial law, persons liable for military service must also have a military registration document.
  • Special passes are not required when traveling to the Points of Unbreakability or heating points.

The press service added that citizens are advised to choose the shortest route and strictly follow the instructions of the authorities, the State Emergency Service and law enforcement officers. In fact, this approach is also applied during air alerts. These rules do not cancel the existing restrictions, but only supplement them.

All decisions on curfew rules are made exclusively through the Defense Council, with the participation of security forces and military commanders, taking into account the current situation.

Володимир Шкаєв

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