The Ukrainian energy system has survived nine massive attacks and dozens of strikes. Now specialists are mitigating the consequences of yesterday's enemy drone strike on energy infrastructure facilities, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said at a government meeting.
"Yesterday, the terrorist state targeted energy facilities in the central region. The Air Defence neutralized most of the enemy drones, but, unfortunately, we have a hit on the high-voltage network," he said.
He noted that as of the morning of 20 December, eight generating units at nuclear power plants and 10 thermal power plants were in operation. However, due to significant damage to the network, there is still a significant shortage of electricity. To maintain a balanced operation of the power system, emergency blackouts were introduced in 11 regions.
Repairs continue, but the situation remains really difficult.
"Russian terrorists will do utmost to leave Ukrainians without electricity before the New Year. It is important for them to leave Ukraine in the dark during Christmas and New Year. Therefore, we must prepare for new attacks," Shmyhal said.
He also added that it is impossible to give any forecasts on the restoration of stable power supply in the conditions when the power system is attacked almost every day.
"Local authorities should not create inflated expectations either. After all, in parallel with the attack against our energy sector, Russia is conducting information and psychological operations to sow panic and despair. Therefore, we tell people the truth that the situation is difficult; that there may be light for only a few hours a day; that the situation in the energy system may either improve or deteriorate depending on the intensity and scale of new Russian attacks," he explained.
He recalled that more than 5,000 Points of Invincibility, shelter-type facilities, had been deployed across Ukraine, and there are plans to triple their number soon.