How did the Ukrainian energy sector survive the second winter under russian attacks?
Inhaltsverzeichnis
The second heating season since the start of the full-scale invasion has passed without massive blackouts and blackouts. Find out how this was possible and why russia failed to destroy the Ukrainian energy system
Massive missile attacks by russia in 2022 and 2023 damaged much of Ukraine's critical infrastructure. That is why, before the start of the second heating season since the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, representatives of Ukrainian intelligence and specialized companies constantly emphasized that the winter of 2023-2024 could be much more difficult than the previous one. However, due to a number of factors, Ukraine managed to avoid large-scale infrastructure damage, rolling blackouts, and blackouts.
According to Ekonomichna Pravda, it was not only better preparation for the winter, but also a change in the plans of the russians themselves. Thus, according to the publication's interlocutors, russia now aims to destroy the Ukrainian economy by attacking large industrial facilities.
Why didn't russia shell critical infrastructure?
According to one of Ekonomichna Pravda's government sources, Ukraine currently has many more air defense systems, and therefore, after analyzing everything, the enemy "decided to prioritize military targets."
A similar version is confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defense.
"russia, at least temporarily, has changed its approach to long-range strikes against Ukraine, targeting defense capabilities rather than energy infrastructure. This is in contrast to the major attacks last winter, which prioritized energy infrastructure," British intelligence officials said.
Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok
What helped to avoid blackouts?
Despite a much smaller number of attacks on the energy sector, critical facilities near the front line were constantly under attack from the russian federation. In addition, the number of cyberattacks that interfered with the operation of the systems increased. Thus, according to Vitaliy Zaichenko, Chief Dispatcher of NPC Ukrenergo, in an interview with EP, the Ukrainian energy sector was still one step away from imposing restrictions on consumption, but the weather and a decrease in consumption during air alerts in the country helped.
In addition, the experts interviewed by the EP noted that this winter Ukraine also benefited from
– a sufficient amount of generation has been restored;
– improvement of the air defense system;
– imports from the EU.
It is also important that this season Ukraine was ready to respond to russia's attacks on the energy sector.
Thus, in late winter, Ukraine was even able to start exporting electricity. Electricity was supplied to Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Moldova, and Romania. In general, since the beginning of January 2024, commercial net imports to Ukraine have almost halved, and in mid-February, net exports became positive.
We remind you! Since the beginning of the war, Kyiv has been in the crosshairs of the russian army, and after an unsuccessful attempt in 2022, the occupiers may again launch an offensive against the Ukrainian capital. Read what the military and Ukrainian generals say about these risks in our previous article.
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine:
Visit Ukraine Insurance – safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);
Visit Ukraine Legal advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;
Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
© 2018-2023, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.
All rights reserved.
Recommended articles
1 min
KriegCould putin attack NATO and is the West ready for it?
NATO countries may face russian aggression in the near future. However, a number of events, including the US elections, could affect the outcome of the confrontation between russia and the West. Find out what actions can be expected from the Kremlin in the near future and whether Europe is ready
27 Feb. 2024
More details1 min
KriegRussia's Operation Maidan-3: what is it and why is Ukraine facing a threat to its existence?
Russian special services are carrying out a special operation to destabilise the situation in Ukraine. The operation is called Maidan-3. Find out when to expect its culmination and how it should end
28 Feb. 2024
More details2 min
KriegTransnistria asks russia for protection: does this mean the beginning of a war against Moldova?
Against the backdrop of several days of discussions, the very congress of Transnistrian MPs who asked the russian federation for help took place today. Find out what exactly the unrecognised republic is asking for and whether we should expect an escalation in the Moldovan region
28 Feb. 2024
More details2 min
FinancePension indexation, subsidy accrual and tariff increases: what will change in Ukraine from March 1
A number of important changes and events are planned for March. In particular, pensions are expected to be re-indexed and payments to certain categories of IDPs will be canceled. Find out more about the changes in Ukraine starting March 1 and who they will affect
29 Feb. 2024
More details