Despite significant Western aid, analysts predict that due to constant Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure, Ukraine is in for a difficult winter. According to the Voice of America, Ukrainians may face long-term power outages, which will make the winter cold and dark for many residents of the country.
Western aid to the energy sector of Ukraine
The United States actively supports the Ukrainian energy industry. Recently, the Ukrenergo company received an autotransformer from the USA to replace the one destroyed in the front-line zone. According to the US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, this transformer will provide stable electricity supply for about 50 thousand households .
The ambassador noted that the US government is doing everything possible to preserve electricity supply in Ukraine , despite continuous attacks from Russia.
EU support plan for Ukrainian energy industry
In September, Brussels announced a new large-scale plan to support Ukrainian energy infrastructure. According to the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen , Ukraine needs 17 GW of capacity to provide electricity in winter . The EU offered assistance in three key areas: repair, connection and stabilization of the energy system.
The European Union will also allocate 160 million euros to support Ukraine, in particular:
- €60 million for humanitarian aid, including shelters and heaters;
- 100 million euros for renovation works and renewable energy sources.
Help from other countries
Ukraine receives help from many international partners. In particular, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the country has received 12 shipments of humanitarian aid from Japan , which include backup power plants, gas turbines, auto transformers and other energy equipment.
UN forecast: difficult winter for millions of Ukrainians
The report of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission stated that due to massive Russian strikes, Ukraine may face power outages for a period of 4 to 18 hours a day during the winter. The destruction of the energy infrastructure will negatively affect vital systems:
- water supply and sewerage,
- heating and hot water supply ,
- the sphere of health care and education.
These consequences will have a devastating impact on millions of Ukrainians , and will also significantly affect the country's economy.
Problems with the import of electricity
The Chairman of the Council of the Ukrainian Renewable Energy Association, Stanislav Ignatiev, noted that the existing price caps for electricity can create difficulties with its import from the EU in periods of shortage. This could exacerbate the country's energy problems in winter.
