Russia Continues to Shell Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure as the East and South Suffer

The spring of 2024 was catastrophic for Ukraine's energy sector: dozens of thermal power plants were damaged, around 40% of hydroelectric generation was destroyed, and even solar power stations, which provide a small percentage of the total energy supply but are important for seasonal stability, were targeted. Gas production has also been affected.

By the summer of 2024, Ukrainians were already facing significant restrictions, with power sometimes out for 12 hours or more. European partners allocated hundreds of millions of euros to help restore generating capacities.

Due to extensive damage, Ukrainians were promptly warned that this winter might be difficult, with outages almost inevitable. The duration of these outages depends largely on the intensity of Russia’s continued attacks on energy infrastructure. Unfortunately, the shelling remains constant.

That is why UNITED24 is raising money for generators to be distributed to hospitals and critical infrastructure in preparation for winter. You can support the effort via this link.

Shift From Large to Small Targets: 

It might seem that Russia stopped targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in the summer of 2024, as reports of large-scale power plant destruction dwindled or ceased altogether.

In reality, Russia simply shifted its focus to a smaller scale. For instance, in early November 2024, high-voltage power lines in the Kyiv region were damaged, causing outages in the capital. Distribution networks were also damaged by shelling.

While these smaller-scale attacks may not draw as much attention as the destruction of major power plants, they represent a new focus for Russia: targeting not just the generation of energy but also its transportation.

Regions

Certain regions now suffer more severely, especially on the left bank of Ukraine. In August, September, and October, the Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions faced intense shelling, while the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions experienced heavy damage to energy infrastructure. Cities in Donetsk, in particular, are suffering immensely. Russian forces continuously attack the infrastructure, and repairs cannot keep pace. The mayors are urging residents to evacuate, as they cannot guarantee heating, electricity, or water during the winter months.

The Sumy region is another area that consistently suffers from damage to energy infrastructure. Border cities are regularly bombarded by Russian aviation strikes, including on energy facilities. The situation in the region, especially in major cities like Sumy and Konotop, is critical.

Gas?

Gas-powered generation is one potential solution to help Ukrainians face a winter without light. This decentralized system can be deployed in cities relatively quickly (compared to building a new power plant) and connected to the grid, with gas as the essential fuel. Ukraine both has its own production of gas and imports it from partner countries too.

However, Russia has targeted this sector as well, with constant strikes on production sites and gas storage facilities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on allies for missile defense around border-area gas storage facilities.

Due to the sensitive nature of this issue, limited information is publicly available, but insiders confirm that this sector is under constant attack.

One of the most difficult winters

Western media echoes Ukrainian officials' warnings: this winter will not be easy for Ukraine. A representative of an energy company, who spoke to us anonymously, said, "The situation depends on the intensity of the shelling. If it's frequent and continuous, it will be very difficult. If not, outages will occur but can be controlled. Additionally, the weather will play a crucial role," the source added.

In any case, many Ukrainians have been preparing for the worst-case scenario for a long time: purchasing energy storage systems, creating autonomous homes, or pooling resources to buy generators for apartment buildings.

UNITED24 is raising money for generators, which will be used to support hospitals and educational institutions across Ukraine. You can contribute through this link.