Russia delivered the biggest blow to Ukraine's energy system to date, using an unprecedented number of missiles and drones at the same time. The main targets of the attack were the Ukrenergo substations, which, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, were supposed to be protected by a powerful defense system. However, the reality that Ukrainians saw is significantly different from the prime minister's optimistic statements.
Yuriy Korolchuk, an expert at the Institute of Energy Strategies, comments on the situation:
"Prime Minister Shmyhal does not see a problem when he assures that all missiles and drones were blown to pieces as soon as they saw the powerful substation protection system created under the leadership of Ukrenergo chairman Volodymyr Kudrytskyi. But Ukrainians see a problem. More precisely, they do not see - because during power outages lasting many hours in the dark, they cannot find a charger and charge their phone in order to read these fantasies of Shmyhal."
Korolchuk notes that the number and duration of power outages in the country now reaches 12-16 hours a day. However, Shmyhal continues to convince that equipment losses are minimal thanks to the multi-level protection system.
But the question arises: if the substations were really protected, why will the repair work last at least a week and why are people forced to sit without electricity for so long?
Korolchuk critically assesses the situation:
"At the press conference, Shmyhal received a standing ovation from Kudrytskyi for supporting the virtual protection of substations. However, if the prime minister does not understand that Kudrytskyi can drag him to the bottom, then it will soon become obvious. In reality, none of the claimed strong levels of substation protection have ever been demonstrated.”
According to Korolchuk, installed gabions, big bags and concrete blocks are only superficial measures that cannot guarantee protection against modern threats. The protection against drones and missiles promised by Kudrytsky in the form of concrete structures remains a secret even for independent and state structures.
Korolchuk also draws attention to the financial component:
"Western partners provided Kudrytskyi with 1.5 billion euros, of which more than 1 billion went to the repair and construction of defense structures. Of these funds, UAH 16 billion was spent on defense construction, which is 3-4 times more than what the Reconstruction Agency spent on similar projects. It already reeks of corruption."
In the end, Ukrainians faced the bitter truth: promises have not been fulfilled, and the country's energy system remains vulnerable. Winter is approaching and the power supply situation may become even more difficult if no real measures are taken to protect substations.
Korolchuk calls for a thorough investigation of the costs and effectiveness of the measures taken by the management of Ukrenergo to prevent further losses and ensure the stable operation of the energy system.
"President Zelenskyi says at the press conference that he does not like energy PR. There is truth in his words. Especially when you look at how for two years in a row - 2023 and 2024 - Ukrenergo cheerfully and optimistically talked about repairs of substations and readiness for winter. And the fact that last winter, fortunately, there was no shelling of the power industry, this does not stop the head of Ukrenergo Kudrytskyi from taking credit for the rescue and protection of substations. Perhaps this time the responsibility for the destroyed substations will not be borne by the shooter "Surname-Name-By-Batkovi", but the head of "Ukrenergo" Kudrytskyi, who is directly responsible for the failure."
