President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, while speaking on Sunday, expressed his concerns about the potential for Russia to resume attacks on Ukraine’s energy system once the cold weather returns later this year. He vowed to take all necessary measures to safeguard the power grid, which suffered severe damage during Russian missile and drone strikes last winter. These attacks had a devastating impact on Ukrainian cities, leaving civilians in darkness and freezing temperatures, leading to accusations of war crimes from Kyiv. President Zelenskiy now remains steadfast in preparing the nation to protect itself against any further acts of aggression on its energy infrastructure.
During a recent visit to Ivano-Frankivsk, President Zelenskiy emphasized that it’s evident that the enemy will attempt to unleash terror once again on the Ukrainian energy industry in the upcoming fall and winter seasons. He urged senior government, security, and regional officials to remain vigilant and fully prepared to respond to potential attacks. The government, along with security and energy professionals, is working diligently to safeguard the energy system from physical damage, sabotage, or cyberattacks.
To bolster its defenses, Ukraine is ensuring that every city and town in the country is adequately equipped to handle any energy sector emergencies. Local communities are being empowered to play a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s energy infrastructure. By fostering a sense of collective responsibility, Ukraine aims to minimize the impact of any potential attacks and maintain a resilient energy grid throughout the winter months.
Ukraine’s resilience in the face of last winter’s energy crisis was buoyed by swift repairs and assistance from its Western partners, who provided backup energy equipment. Such collaborations have bolstered Energy Minister German Galushchenko’s confidence in Ukraine’s ability to meet its energy generation needs during the cold months. The country is poised to draw from this valuable experience and forge stronger partnerships to mitigate the impact of any future attacks on its energy infrastructure.
