Dombrovskis: Ukraine to face severe winter amid Russian strikes on energy infrastructure
As Ukraine braces for another harsh winter, EU officials sounded the alarm over the cumulative damage inflicted by over 1,000 Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, threatening the survival of civilians across the country.
Russia’s strikes on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and energy distribution systems are creating a dire situation for people’s survival this upcoming winter, said European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, according to UkrInform.
The official stated during a meeting in Strasbourg on the extension of financial and military aid to Ukraine that the EU intends to support Ukraine under these conditions and is already providing the country with emergency and humanitarian assistance.
“The Ukrainians, both those remaining in the country and those seeking temporary protection in the EU, still need emergency and humanitarian aid.
Unfortunately, this winter will not be easy for them, as Ukraine faces deliberate Russian attacks on its energy supply and related infrastructure. Although Ukraine is working around the clock to restore these damages, they have a cumulative effect,” Dombrovskis noted.
He reminded that, according to the UN, the damage caused by Russian bombings to critical infrastructure could potentially deprive Ukraine’s civilian population of services necessary for survival in winter conditions.
From October 2022 to September 2024, Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities have endured 1,024 Russian attacks. The total loss of Ukraine’s energy capacities due to attacks in 2024, which began on 22 March, exceeds 9 GW. Ukraine has suffered energy shutdowns, and experts predict 12 hours of power outages this winter.
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