Ukraine removes energy grid chief as Russian attacks cripple electricity supplies
Zelenskyy dismisses Ukraine’s power grid head due to the failure to protect the energy network from Russia’s record-setting airstrikes.
The supervisory board of Ukraine’s power grid operator, Ukrenergo, has removed the company’s CEO, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi.
The decision came days after Russia’s August 26 drone and missile attack, the most massive since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Forbes.UA reported. The airstrikes primarily targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing significant electricity supply disruptions across the country.
The energy crisis was subsequently addressed at a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Kudrytskyi to submit his resignation.
The decision was prompted by incomplete protective structures around Ukrenergo power facilities, which allegedly failed to prevent blackouts following the Russian attacks.
Kudrytskyi’s resignation was supported by four out of six supervisory board members of Ukrenergo, who voted in favor of his dismissal.
The resignation occurred amid public concern over prolonged blackouts and uneven power distribution nationwide with the cold season approaching.
On 26 August, Russian forces fired 236 aerial weapons, estimated at approximately $1.26 billion. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 201 of Russian weapons, comprising 102 missiles and 99 drones.
Related:
- Ukraine thwarts “most extensive” Russian air assault, downing 201 missiles and drones
- Russian attack leaves 541 Ukrainian settlements without power
- Millions of Russians face blackouts themselves while Russia destroys Ukraine’s energy system
- FT: Ukrainians may spend much of day without power in coming months
