Expert identifies two key targets of Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy system
Illustrative photo: power engineers restore damaged power facilities after Russian attacks (Getty Images)
Russia understands that it will not be able to completely disable Ukraine's energy system. Therefore, it is attempting to disrupt the electricity supply in eastern Ukraine, stated Volodymyr Omelchenko, Director of Energy and Infrastructure Programs at the Razumkov Center, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine's YouTube channel.
He noted that the latest massive strike targeted the Dnipro and Kharkiv energy hubs.
"The goal is clear – they want to plunge eastern Ukraine into darkness, and on the other hand, disconnect the eastern energy system from the western one, disrupting the integrity of the energy system. The enemy understands that it cannot completely disable the entire energy system," Omelchenko explained.
According to him, the Russians recognize that the main generation of electricity in Ukraine is located on the right bank. Therefore, they are focusing their efforts on plunging the east into darkness.
Massive attack on December 25
On the night of December 25, Russian forces launched almost 80 missiles at Ukraine. Ukrainian defenders managed to shoot down 59 missiles.
As usual, the attack was aimed at energy facilities. After the attack, blackout schedules were introduced in Ukraine.
However, as several sources in the energy sector told RBC-Ukraine, the situation with power supply began to improve yesterday afternoon.
