Russia damaged nearly 40% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Zelenskyy says
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kadri Simson in Kyiv on November 1, 2022 (Photo:Office of the President)
Russian attacks have seriously damaged almost 40% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with EU Energy Commissioner, Kadri Simson, on Nov. 1.
According to the president, a wide range of energy generation and distribution facilities were affected: thermal power plants, combined power and heating plants, and hydroelectric power stations.
Zelenskyy and Simson discussed efforts to bolster Ukraine’s energy security, and how the European Commission can help coordinate international efforts to help Kyiv rapidly repair the damage, caused by Russian missile and drone strikes. The Ukrainian leader suggested establishing an “energy Ramstein” – a platform for energy sector assistance to Ukraine, modeled after the Ramstein format of international military aid to Kyiv.
Furthermore, Zelenskyy called for additional sanctions against Russia’s energy sector, including price caps on imports of Russian natural gas and restrictions of shipments of LNG from Russia to the EU.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba earlier said that 12 countries are already involved in supplying Ukraine with equipment and spare parts for its frayed power grid.
On Oct. 31., Russia launched a barrage of 55 cruise missiles at power generation and distribution facilities across Ukraine, damaging 18 of them. Ukrainian military reported that 45 missiles were successfully intercepted.
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