Russia preparing massive strike on Ukraine's energy system, nuclear plants also at risk
Illustrative photo: Russia is preparing a massive strike against Ukraine's energy sector (State Emergency Service)
Russia is preparing the largest-ever campaign of strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since the start of the war, which involves launching up to 1,000 missiles, drones and bombs at power plants, substations and water supply facilities, The New York Times reports.
According to sources, the scale of Russia's efforts to force Ukrainians to submit is seen in a document that Ukraine's Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal presented to European allies in Paris two weeks ago.
The plan, a copy of which is reportedly in the possession of the NYT, describes a series of strikes involving up to 1,000 missiles, drones and bombs. Targets will include electrical substations, hydroelectric power plants, thermal power plants and boiler houses.
The most alarming aspect of the document is that Russia plans to force Ukraine's three operating nuclear power plants to shut down. To do this, the Russians plan to strike distribution substations that connect the nuclear power plants to the power grid.
The plan also calls for strikes on water supply systems, including pumping stations and treatment facilities, using dozens of ballistic missiles and glide bombs.
Russia has not previously carried out large-scale strikes on such facilities.
Russia's ultimate goal is to leave Ukraine's major cities without electricity, heating and water supply, which could trigger a humanitarian crisis.
The main targets will be Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa. Electricity supplies there could be reduced by 90%, heating by up to 90%, while sewage systems could also be seriously disrupted.
However, as the media notes, Ukraine has been preparing for this winter for several months: protective structures are being built over critical facilities, including substations, while people who experienced severe power and heating outages last winter are stocking up on batteries and gas heaters.
Ukrainian authorities have also spent hundreds of millions of dollars repairing power plants and substations and installing smaller generating capacities that are harder to hit.
Russia attacks Ukraine's energy infrastructure again
Russian forces have once again begun attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
On September 30, power outage schedules were introduced in Kyiv and parts of the Kyiv region due to the consequences of the attacks.
Emergency power outages were also introduced in three regions of Ukraine.
Yesterday, October 1, power outage schedules were not applied in Ukraine. However, energy workers are urging people to conserve electricity, especially during the evening hours.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal instructed Ukrenergo to strengthen the protection of substations, simplify the construction of shelters and create equipment reserves in preparation for winter.
