Scorched earth tactics: How Russia targeting Ukraine's power grid and what it means for winter
Photo: Russians have changed their tactics for striking Ukraine's energy sector (Getty Images)
The Russians have changed their tactics in attacking Ukraine's energy sector. Whereas previously they carried out massive missile strikes, they are now employing a scorched earth tactic, destroying entire energy districts, according to Vitalii Zaichenko, head of Ukrenergo energy company.
Russia changed tactics for attacking energy sector
According to Zaichenko, after the Russians failed to knock out the Ukrainian power grid with large-scale attacks, they switched to a scorched-earth tactic.
He explained that previously, attacks were carried out with hundreds of missiles simultaneously targeting Ukrenergo substations and power plants.
Now, according to Zaichenko, the enemy is destroying entire energy districts, including substations and power plants of distribution system operators.
Problems with thermal power plants
The head of Ukrenergo noted that thermal power plants, which are supposed to provide Ukrainians with heat and light in winter, have been particularly affected.
"But despite everything, energy workers continue to restore these facilities, which have been hit not once, but dozens of times, and continue to provide light and heat to the residents of Ukraine," he said.
How to prepare
The head of Ukrenergo advised citizens to take care of their own energy independence. He noted that many people have already stocked up on power banks, flashlights, and provided backup power for Wi-Fi routers.
It is also useful to install solar panels and batteries where possible.
According to Zaichenko, it is important to change behavior and save electricity: do not turn on several powerful appliances at the same time, shift consumption to daytime or nighttime hours, and turn off unnecessary appliances and lights.
This will help energy companies maintain a stable supply of electricity during the difficult winter period.
Power grid state and transformer protection
When asked about possible power outages in winter, Zaychenko reassured that energy companies have done a lot of work since 2022, and now more than 50% of transformers are protected.
"They are protected to such an extent that they can withstand Shahed attacks and continue to operate despite being attacked by Shaheds every day. Therefore, from this point of view, we are confident that we will ensure the transmission of electricity in the distribution system operators' network," he explained.
Large-scale power outages are unlikely
Zaichenko added that the distribution system operators' networks are also involved in protection.
"Therefore, I think the situation with no electricity is unlikely. But all energy companies are doing their job to ensure that there is always electricity, and not according to such a difficult schedule," said the head of Ukrenergo.
Power outages in Ukraine
Due to damage to the power grid caused by numerous Russian strikes, emergency power outages were implemented in several regions this morning, October 17, by order of Ukrenergo.
These include the Kyiv, Sumy, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kirovohrad regions. However, during the day, energy companies canceled emergency blackouts in Kyiv and the Kyiv region.
Yesterday evening, Ukrenergo ordered emergency power cuts throughout Ukraine.
