Ukraine Seeks Urgent Assistance From Romania Due To Electricity Shortage

 


Nov 26, 2023. Posted by  Balkan Periscope - Hellas

Ukrenergo, Ukraine’s energy operator, announced on Thursday that the Ukrainian electricity grid is in a ‘difficult’ situation since Wednesday and has requested emergency supplies from Romania, Slovakia, and Poland, according to AFP.

“Today, electricity consumption continues to rise, and the energy system is in deficit,” Ukrenergo reported in a Telegram post, according to AFP.

“The situation remains difficult on Thursday, with a continuous electricity deficit, Ukrenergo conveyed, adding that “repairs are underway in several thermal power plant units.”

The energy deficit is caused by increased consumption due to the cold weather, placing an additional burden on power plants, explained the Ukrainian national operator.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in early October that Russia would attempt to “destroy” his country’s electricity system this winter.

To counter this threat, Kyiv is asking its Western allies for new air defense systems. On Wednesday evening, Zelensky announced the creation of a “coalition for the development of Ukraine’s air defense,” with France and Germany expected to be the main contributors.

Ukrainian officials said on November 8 that in the preceding weeks, Russia had attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure 60 times. These strikes coincide with the approaching winter and dropping temperatures, leading to increased energy consumption.

Ukraine fears that Russia will launch a concerted campaign of attacks on the power grid for the second winter of the war. Last winter, thousands of Russian drones and missiles targeted Ukraine’s energy sector, causing widespread power outages.

Energy Minister German Galushchenko, who visited the United States earlier this month, stated that his government is discussing with Western partners how to navigate the critical cold months. The West has increased air defense deliveries to neutralize the threat.

“After each new attack, the need for energy equipment increases, and therefore, assistance from partners to the Ukrainian energy sector is crucial,” conveyed the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy.

Romania Journal

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