Ukraine’s energy infrastructure under siege from Russian attacks, winter storms

Ukraine’s energy system continues to operate under pressure from ongoing attacks and severe weather, but officials say the situation remains under control.

Speaking at a briefing on December 29, Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolesnyk reported that Russian forces carried out daily strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure over the past week, Caliber.Az reports via the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine.

Authorities recorded one large-scale and more than 43 targeted attacks, which damaged around 118 elements of the power grid.

Four of the attacks hit Naftogaz facilities, including the Kherson thermal power plant, the city’s sole source of heating. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and one plant employee is receiving medical treatment.

Despite the damage, Ukraine’s united energy system remains intact and continues to operate in synchrony with continental Europe’s power grid. Imported electricity is being used to balance the system, while measures to limit consumption are in place. Emergency crews and technical teams are working around the clock.

The most recent strikes caused significant damage to infrastructure in Kyiv region. As of December 29, more than 9,000 consumers were without power. Planned outages are in effect on the left bank of Kyiv and in some surrounding areas.

Severe weather has also caused power outages in 215 communities across the country. In some regions, emergency disconnections are being implemented, while elsewhere, hourly rolling outages and capacity limits are being applied to industry and businesses.

By Aghakazim Guliyev