Ukraine braces for winter blackouts amid relentless Russian attacks
Ukraine is grappling with serious energy problems as a result of continuous attacks on critical infrastructure by Russian forces. The winter might exacerbate the situation, potentially leading to blackouts and a humanitarian crisis.
In the summer of 2024, Ukrainians once again severely felt a blackout. Russia intensely bombards energy facilities, and Ukrainian energy workers are working around the clock trying to repair the damage.
People are becoming more worried about the situation due to the approaching winter. Social media platforms and television stations are increasingly featuring grim forecasts that, in winter, power will be available for just 5-6 hours a day.
Meanwhile, European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson presented an extremely pessimistic forecast one day, warning the world about a possible humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine due to power shortages.
Due to low temperatures in winter, some places in Ukraine might become uninhabitable, she admitted.
Experts believe that issues with electricity in Ukraine will persist for another two years.
Andriy Zakhrevskyi, Deputy Director of the Association of Energy and Natural Resources, stated that the Russians intentionally attacked the country's critical infrastructure. Most attacks are directed at distribution stations, leading to significant problems in the entire power system.
Ukraine responds to power issues
The Ukrainian government continues to implement plans to mitigate the effects of Russian attacks. A strategy has been developed to introduce a manoeuvrable distribution system.
Those plans for the restoration of power plants that were drawn up, they are now more or less being fulfilled, and the power plants are more or less on schedule, said Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, head of Ukrenergo, to the BBC.
Let us remind you that as a result of mass Russian attacks on critical infrastructure facilities, Ukraine has lost half of its generating capacity. As recently as May, Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that losses in the energy sector exceed one billion dollars and are still growing.
Ukraine urgently needs energy because winter may be difficult to survive, and the spectre of power outages is real.
The Institute for the Study of War reports that Russia has chosen a new type of target in Ukraine. They now target hydroelectric plants and dams as part of their military actions. This could lead to an ecological disaster.
