Russia's current objective could be to destroy Ukraine's water infrastructure. Last winter, they targeted electricity and heating systems, but people endured due to gas and water supplies. Few can survive more than three days without clean water and functioning sewage systems, Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal stated in an interview with Politico published on 3/8.

Shmyhal believes Russia aims to cripple the power grid, collapse the economy, and halt weapons production in Ukraine. This tactic is intended to push Ukrainian society to "exhaustion and collapse, forcing its leaders to sign a surrender treaty".

A section of the CHPP-4 heating pipeline in the capital Kyiv, Ukraine, destroyed during an attack on 2/2. Photo: AFP

A section of the CHPP-4 heating pipeline in the capital Kyiv, Ukraine, destroyed during an attack on 2/2. Photo: AFP

Minister Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine must thoroughly prepare for the scenario of Russia continuing its large-scale campaign against essential infrastructure this winter.

Ukraine is constructing protective structures for its electricity, water, and gas facilities. It is also expanding the use of distributed boilers and generators, which are harder to destroy than centralized power plants. "We have demonstrated a rapid ability to adapt to crises and challenges," he said.

Before 2014, Ukraine's total power capacity reached 54,5 GW. However, available capacity sharply decreased after Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula, then controlled the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant from 3/2022, and consistently launched attacks on Ukraine's electrical energy infrastructure.

Shmyhal reported that Russia has destroyed or damaged over 80% of Ukraine's power generation capacity since the conflict began. The country currently needs an additional 500 million euro to enhance its system's resilience and approximately 400 million euro to support the state energy company Naftogaz in restoring operations.

Source: Kyiv Post, Politico