New Russian strikes on energy infrastructure: Is a nationwide blackout possible?
An analyst discussed how Russia is once again attacking Ukraine’s energy system and whether a nationwide blackout should be expected.
Expert explains what is happening with Ukraine's energy system and whether we will withstand new strikes
Every week, Russia launches 2–3 waves of strikes on energy infrastructure. However, there are currently no grounds for a nationwide blackout.
This was stated by Oleksandr Kharchenko, Director of the Energy Research Center, as reported by Hromadske Radio.
According to him, Ukrainians do not feel the impact of these strikes on a national level, but certain regions are suffering from the attacks.
“Some regions are affected. This was the case in Poltava, and it has often happened in Sumy. In Odesa, there have also been strikes that limited access to electricity for 4–6 hours,” the expert said.
Kharchenko noted that Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure are most intense in the Sumy region, Kharkiv, and eastern and southern Ukraine. The situation there is quite challenging, as repeated waves of attacks target the same facilities. However, Kharchenko emphasized that Ukraine is much better protected than it was a year ago or at the start of the full-scale war.
“Yet, when attacks come in waves, certain pieces of equipment get damaged and require replacement. This has become an ongoing process: restoration, restoration, and more restoration of damaged energy system components,” he says.
According to the expert, there are currently no grounds for a national blackout. “We are much better prepared for attacks than we were even 9–10 months ago. Preparations are ongoing, many capacities have been restored, there is a reserve of equipment, and we have a clear understanding of how to respond. Many fortifications have also been built. However, it’s impossible to say that we are completely fearless or that there will be no consequences at all. Focused attacks on specific targets do yield results, and we must be prepared for such attacks and their outcomes,” the analyst noted.
He explained that large coal-fired power plants are difficult to protect. Major thermal power plants can only be shielded by air defense systems, as fortifications are ineffective for such facilities. According to Kharchenko, Ukraine is actively building protections for hydroelectric power stations.