Ukraine's energy system faces challenges but remains under control, says PM Shmyhal

Energy workers are operating around the clock to address the consequences of Russian attacks.

"The energy situation is currently complicated but controlled by Ukrenergo dispatchers," said Shmyhal.

“It is crucial that the system has maintained and continues to maintain its integrity. Work to overcome the effects of the attack does not stop for a moment. Energy workers, rescuers, and sappers are working 24/7. Emergency disconnections of consumers have been canceled in all regions, but scheduled outages are currently being applied.”

Ukraine continues to import electricity from Europe. The official also recalled a previous decision exempting businesses that import or self-produce 60% of their energy consumption from power cuts.

"The minister of energy and the head of Ukrenergo must now report daily to the public. Provide a full picture. Inform about the work being done," Shmyhal stated.

Previous attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure

Russia carried out one of the largest combined attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Nov. 28, using nearly 100 Shahed drones and other UAVs, followed by 91 missile strikes (including Kalibr missiles from the sea, Kh-101 missiles from Tu-95 aircraft, Kh-59/69 air-to-surface missiles, and ballistic missiles targeting Kharkiv). Air defense systems intercepted 79 missiles and 35 drones. The primary target was the energy sector.

Infrastructure damage was reported in Rivne, Zhytomyr, Lutsk, Mykolaiv, and other cities, leading to power and water supply disruptions. Destruction was also reported in Ivano-Frankivsk, Volyn, Lviv, Sumy, and other regions. In Vinnytsia, Odesa, and Kyiv oblasts, private homes were damaged, and injuries were reported due to the missile attack.

In Kyiv, air defense systems repelled the attack by missiles and UAVs, with debris falling in two districts on the left bank.

Nationwide emergency power outages were implemented. Later, emergency outages were canceled, but scheduled blackouts for four groups of electricity consumers are currently in effect.