Ukraine braces for winter energy crisis amid Russian attacks — video
Russia's goal is a complete blackout in Ukraine, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said during a meeting with EU member state officials at the IAEA on June 6, the Ministry reported.
The energy situation in Ukraine is currently worse than it has been over the past two years, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said.
The most significant damage from Russian attacks was inflicted on thermal and hydroelectric facilities, Halushchenko said. Great damage has also been done to the transmission system.
"Overall system losses amount to up to 9 GW of capacity," he said. "The situation is currently much worse than in 2022-2023. Restrictions are being imposed on consumers. We are preparing for a rather difficult situation in winter."
Nuclear generation remains fundamental to Ukraine; however, Russian attacks on substations pose a threat to nuclear and radiation safety as well, Halushchenko said.
"Currently, the attacks are focused on maneuvering capabilities, but the enemy's goal is a complete blackout," he said. "We are preparing to have all nine units of the Nuclear Power Plants operating in winter; this is our way to survive."
Ukraine's natural gas operator Ukrtransgaz reported that on June 6, there would be consumption limits on electricity throughout Ukraine.
Energy Deficit in Ukraine
The U.S.-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on May 16 that Russian missile strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure since March 2024 have likely caused long-term damage to the energy sector and repeated blackouts.
Controlled emergency blackouts were introduced in all regions of Ukraine on May 14 due to a significant electricity shortage.
Ukrenergo reported on May 20 that all major thermal and hydroelectric power plants in Ukraine were damaged by Russian strikes.
The company urged consumers to shift the use of powerful electrical appliances to daytime hours, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A recent report by NV Business highlighted the broader impact on Ukraine's energy sector, citing Olena Lapenko of the DiXi Group, who noted that the country’s thermal power generation capacity has plummeted by about 85% due to the ongoing hostilities.
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