Can Russia really divide Ukraine's grid by the Dnipro River? Ukrenergo responds
Illustrative photo: Russia has changed its tactics in attacking Ukraine's energy sector (GettyImages)
Russia remains intent on causing critical damage to Ukraine's power grid, particularly by attempting to divide it along the Dnipro River, Vitalii Zaichenko, head of Ukrenergo, said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
According to Zaichenko, the last time the power grid was divided was in 2023 after a massive Russian attack, and the enemy continues to try to repeat this scenario.
“The occupiers are doing everything they can to divide the system and shut it down—that is their main goal. We are fighting this and quite successfully,” he emphasized.
But he acknowledges that this threat remains real. “Of course. The war continues,” he said.
Zaichenko also explained that the Russians have changed their tactics compared to last winter. While last year they tried to attack the entire territory at once, now they are focusing on specific regions and critical facilities, seeking to break through air defense with a barrage of launches. This complicates the rapid restoration of power supply in the very areas that are targeted.
According to him, rolling blackouts may be in effect throughout the winter, as the war continues and Russian attacks are directed not only at power generation and transmission facilities, but also at gas production and gas transportation infrastructure.
“We can state that the enemy is continuing its policy of energy terrorism, trying to deprive Ukrainians of light and heat,” Zaichenko said.
The head of Ukrenergo added that thanks to the help of international partners, Ukraine has significantly strengthened its repair capabilities—special equipment is now available in all regions, which speeds up the restoration after attacks.
Attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector
Before the start of the heating season, Russia sharply intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Thermal power plants, gas production facilities, and substations that transmit power from nuclear power plants were attacked. After a large-scale attack on November 8, the situation with power outages in Ukraine became even more critical.
According to Centrenergo, this attack was the most extensive since the start of the full-scale invasion. As a result of the strikes, two of the company's thermal power plants, Zmiivska and Trypilska, completely stopped producing electricity.
After the attacks, Ukraine took the initiative to convene the IAEA Council. The attacks on energy facilities continued on November 10, and the very next day, Russia again struck energy infrastructure in three regions: Kharkiv, Odesa, and Donetsk.
