Why Russia targets energy facilities in western Ukraine: Expert outlines Kremlin strategy
Russian strikes on energy infrastructure in western regions of Ukraine had a concealed objective.
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Attack on an energy facility / © Associated Press / © Associated Press
Several recent large-scale attacks by Russia targeted energy facilities in western Ukraine, with the apparent aim not only of creating a critical situation but also of attempting to cut the country off from electricity imports, energy expert Stanislav Ihnatiev said in comments to Telegraph.
According to him, Russia’s primary objective at present is to sever Ukraine from electricity imports.
«The main objective is to cut Ukraine off from electricity imports. That is why strikes targeted the Zakhidnoukrainska-750 and Novyi Rozdil-330 substations, ” the expert said.
Another aim of the attacks, he stressed, was to destabilize the western energy system, which is centered on the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant and balanced by the Burshtyn Thermal Power Plant, a facility in the Prykarpattia region that has also been targeted by the occupiers.
«Ultimately, however, the enemy did not achieve its objectives, ” the energy specialist concluded.
Ihnatiev added that the electricity deficit has eased due to milder weather and stable imports totalling about 2.3 GWh during morning and evening peak hours.