Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expected on Sunday that Russia would resume its attacks on the Ukrainian energy system once cold weather returns later this year, and he vowed to do everything possible to protect the electricity grid. Since the return of warm weather, strikes on energy infrastructure in Ukraine have decreased. However, during a visit to the city of Ivano-Frankivsk in western Ukraine, Zelensky expressed anticipation of renewed energy attacks. He told senior government, security, and regional officials: "At the government and security levels, we will do everything possible."
Zelensky explained that the government, security officials, and energy workers are working to protect the energy system from physical damage, sabotage, or cyberattacks. He stated that every city and town in Ukraine must be prepared to deal with emergencies in the energy sector. Nearly 40 percent of the Ukrainian energy system was damaged due to missile strikes and Russian drone attacks during last winter, plunging Ukrainian cities into darkness and severe cold, which Kyiv described as a deliberate strategy to harm civilians, constituting a war crime. Moscow claims that the attacks were aimed at reducing Ukraine's ability to fight.
Rapid reforms, often relying on backup energy equipment sent by Kyiv's Western partners, helped Ukraine survive last winter. Energy Minister German Galushchenko expressed confidence this week that Ukraine could meet its needs during the cold months.
