This heating season, Ukraine is better prepared for a new stage of energy terror from Russia, which has already begun.
This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the Regional Economic Forum, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
"We understand that the stage of energy terror in this heating season has already begun. We see it in the destruction of infrastructure, production, pumping, and storage of fuel. We see it in the first attacks on regional power substations in the last two weeks," he said.
Shmyhal also noted that protection has been built: both active in the form of air defence and passive in the form of special structures. According to him, this defence "works and continues to be strengthened."
"We are much more prepared and stronger than we were last year. I am confident that we will get through this difficult winter together... For sure, the winter will be difficult, definitely not easier, but we are better prepared for it, because we understand what the enemy is preparing for and what threats and challenges we all face," the Prime Minister emphasised.
Earlier, Shmyhal said that the next heating season would be as difficult as the previous one.
Last year, Russia constantly attacked Ukraine's energy facilities. This led to power outages and blackouts.
Yesterday, for the first time in six months, the Russians attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing partial blackouts in five regions.