New norm: Ukrainians might spend most of day without electricity
Russian attacks have inflicted serious damage on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Until winter, Ukrainians might spend a significant part of the day without electricity, according to the Financial Times.
One Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously, said that Saturday's Russian attack on the energy sector was "devastating." Another official said that this likely means Ukrainians will spend much of their day without electricity until winter.
According to the official, Saturday's shelling on June 1 alone resulted in a loss of 1.2 GW of electricity, and infrastructure critical for transporting gas from underground storage in western Ukraine was severely damaged.
One official said in response to a question about the coming months that Ukrainians must prepare for life in the cold and darkness.
Another official, pointing to the power outages, said "this is our new normal."
Electricity situation in Ukraine
In the spring, Russian occupiers resumed shelling Ukrainian energy facilities. Russian forces are attacking thermal power plants, combined heat and power plants, and hydroelectric power plants in Ukraine, as well as other energy facilities.
During the latest attack on June 1, the occupiers shelled two thermal power plants and two hydroelectric power plants.
Due to severe energy infrastructure damage, rolling blackouts are being implemented in Ukraine. Recently, these outages have become longer. For example, today, June 5, stabilization outage schedules will be in effect throughout the regions all day.