Camilla Jessen
Ukraine braces for potential mass attacks on its energy infrastructure this autumn and winter.
Ukraine is getting ready for potential large-scale Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure during the autumn and winter, warned Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, on Oct. 15.
He noted that as the “heating season” starts — usually from mid-October to April — there is a high chance of more Russian strikes on the energy sector, according to Interfax Ukraine.
Russia previously carried out heavy airstrikes on Ukraine’s energy system in the spring, similar to those seen in the autumn and winter of 2022-2023.
These attacks caused major power shortages, leading to rolling blackouts across the country.
At the Energy in Industry 2024 exhibition in Kyiv, officials praised the Ukrainian energy sector for finding ways to adapt during the war, despite Russia’s attempts to harm the economy.
They also warned that Russia might target Ukrainian nuclear facilities in an effort to worsen the energy crisis this winter and weaken public morale.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that between March and August, Russia destroyed all thermal power plants and nearly all of Ukraine’s hydroelectric capacity.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that due to these attacks, Ukraine could face a power shortfall of 6 gigawatts this winter, about one-third of its peak demand.