Ukraine curbs nationwide power usage

Ukraine has restricted electricity usage across the country due to expected power shortages, following a barrage of Russian missile and drone attacks that have destroyed some power plants in recent days.

Power supply will be restricted between 07:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, government officials and the grid operator Ukrenergo said. Authorities have urged Ukrainians to reduce their power use in the evenings.

According to Press TV, the operator also appealed to Ukrainians to stock up on water and ensure they have warm socks and blankets and charge all electrical devices before the power cut.

“We do not rule out that with the onset of cold weather, we will ask for your help more often,” Ukrenergo said, adding that there had been more attacks on power facilities in the past 10 days than in the whole period since Russia’s invasion began on February 24.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on his Twitter account, “Since Oct 10, 30% of Ukraine’s power stations have been destroyed, causing massive blackouts across the country. No space left for negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.”

Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and among the 10 largest in the world, was under almost constant strikes for weeks earlier this year, with Ukraine accusing Russia of storing heavy weapons in the plant and Moscow denying the allegation.

“We are preparing for all kinds of scenarios in view of the winter season. We assume that Russian attacks will be directed at energy facilities until, with the help of partners, we are able to shoot down 100% of enemy missiles and drones,” said Zelensky in his Wednesday night video address.

Western states have been supplying Ukraine with advanced weapons to enhance its air and missile defense capabilities in a move that Moscow says would only draw out the conflict.

Leaders of the 27 EU member states will discuss options for more support to Ukraine, including energy equipment, helping restore power supply, and long-term financing to rebuild the country at their two-day summit in Brussels on Thursday.

ME