Ukraine Faces Power Shortages Amid Ongoing Russian Attacks

Power Shortages Loom in Ukraine

Ukraine is facing severe restrictions in its electricity supply due to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, leading the population to prepare for up to twelve hours a day without power.

Ukrainians are bracing for significant challenges in power supply. “In the next few weeks and beyond, the situation will become much more difficult than it is today,” warned the head of the energy provider Ukrenerho, Volodymyr Kudryzky, on television.

Due to continuous Russian assaults on the infrastructure, there will be more scheduled power outages and blackouts until the end of July. Ukrainians must anticipate being without electricity for up to twelve hours a day, as highlighted by Kudryzky. Especially in the evenings and peak consumption times, there may be frequent disruptions.

Reconstruction of Power Supply Could Take Years

Currently, people in the country already face periodic power outages. Today, a Russian attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Poltava resulted in a power outage for 55,000 people alongside several injuries, according to the regional governor.

President Volodymyr Zelensky recently mentioned that the country can now produce only half the amount of electricity compared to the previous year. Emergency power imports from neighboring countries like Romania, Poland, Hungary, and Moldova are insufficient to sustain the power grid due to extensive damages, as stated by Ukrenergo in early June. It may take years to restore the Ukrainian electricity industry.

Russian Attacks on Civilian Structures

In recent months, the Russian army has intensified its systematic attacks on Ukrainian power infrastructure. Thermal power plants, dams, and substations are all targeted.

As a result, Ukraine is requesting more air defense systems. During the past winter, millions of people had to endure freezing temperatures without heating due to these attacks.