By Rostyslav Averchuk
Lviv, Ukraine, (EFE).- Ukraine’s energy system remains under constant threat as authorities brace for renewed Russian attacks, despite ongoing repairs and foreign assistance that have so far helped avoid widespread power cuts this summer.
National grid operator Ukrenergo reports stable electricity supplies nationwide, with no major shortages.
The company continues to issue daily recommendations to limit consumption, although sunny weather has bolstered solar output and low temperatures have kept demand manageable.
“Repairs have restored some generation capacity, though a large portion remains destroyed,” said Volodymyr Omelchenko, energy expert at the Razumkov Centre.
A sharp decline in industrial activity, particularly in eastern regions devastated by war, and the exodus of millions of Ukrainians have eased pressure on the grid.
Minor shortages during evening peak hours are possible but can be offset through imports, Omelchenko added.
Constant risk
The risk of further disruption remains high. “Nothing stops Russia from targeting our grid again tomorrow,” warned Vitaliy Perekhoden, a 36-year-old programmer in Lviv.
Like many residents, he keeps emergency supplies at home, including power banks and battery-powered lamps.
Across Ukraine, fuel-powered generators remain stationed in front of businesses, while private households increasingly install solar panels and backup batteries.
Last year, a series of Russian strikes destroyed over 9 gigawatts of Ukraine’s generating capacity, leading to daily blackouts lasting more than 12 hours.
The outages impacted businesses and endangered individuals dependent on uninterrupted power for medical care or mobility.
“The primary risk to Ukraine’s energy supply is military,” Omelchenko said. “We cannot predict whether or when Russia will launch further massive strikes.”
Latest strikes and warnings
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued fresh warnings following Sunday’s large-scale drone and missile attack on the city of Kremenchuk in the Poltava region.
While full details remain classified, the strike targeted both industrial and residential areas.
Although Kremenchuk’s hydroelectric plant has been under repair since a previous attack and its refinery was damaged early in the war, the city remains a key energy hub.
Zelenskyy called the latest attack a “spit in the face” of diplomatic efforts to end the war. He noted it followed calls from the United States for Ukraine to refrain from striking Russian oil infrastructure.
The president also warned of ongoing threats to Ukraine’s nuclear plants, urging the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to remain alert.
International support and future plans
Foreign aid remains essential to Ukraine’s recovery. Czechia alone has supplied over 80 million euros in materials and equipment, according to Ukrenergo.
On Thursday, the company held talks with the Czech ambassador to expand cooperation.
“This support is crucial amid continuing Russian aggression,” said Oleksiy Brecht, interim head of Ukrenergo.
He noted Ukrainian engineers are increasingly experienced in defending infrastructure from drones and missiles and are willing to share their expertise.
Ukraine is also working to strengthen energy resilience. While 80% of its wind power capacity is under Russian control, plans are underway to build 4 gigawatts of new wind projects, Omelchenko said.
The government is preparing schools for potential outages by equipping them with solar panels and generators, enabling autonomous operation for up to 12 hours.
These facilities will serve as shelters for children during blackouts, Deputy Presidential Office Head Viktor Mykyta announced Wednesday on Telegram.
“Ukrainians will not give up, no matter what Russia does,” Omelchenko affirmed. EFE
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