In the face of the Russian offensive, Ukraine has faced a problem with electricity supply due to frequent attacks on infrastructure. The government has introduced blackout schedules to save energy.
Maxim Timchenko, head of the Ukrainian company "DTEK" (energy holding company) said that the power supply problems are "another front line in the war". He said that the company's employees are engaged in a "race against time" to restore power supply to consumers.
The publication recalls that the winter of 2022 was difficult due to Russian army strikes on power plants, which led to heat blackouts on freezing days. Subsequently, the AFU improved its ability to intercept missiles thanks to additional weapons. However, with the onset of spring 2024, the situation deteriorated again.
NYT notes that the blackouts could affect not only civilian lives but also damage Ukraine's defense industry.
Oleksandr Dmitriev, the coordinator for supplying the AFU with weapons and equipment, emphasized the importance of having electricity for military production. He stated, "It certainly slows down production and it becomes more expensive. It is easier for civilians to survive without electricity, but for military production during the war, its availability is critical."
DTEK called on the international community to help the country by providing equipment to restore the energy system. Pavlo Beloded, DTEK's press secretary, explained: "It is impossible to buy or order new equipment quickly. The only way is to get used equipment from countries that no longer need it, and this only requires their political will."
In addition, the journalists noted that Ukraine is asking international partners to provide more air defense systems, including Patriot. According to officials, this will protect the country's energy infrastructure and deter the Russian offensive in Kharkiv Region.
