Ukrainians are facing a severe crisis as the country extends blackouts for up to eight hours due to the damage caused by ongoing Russian attacks on its power stations. President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported that Russia has destroyed half of the country’s electricity-generating capacity since late March, leaving residents in the capital, Kyiv, and across the country struggling with a lack of power. Families in apartment buildings are forced to climb dozens of flights of stairs without working lifts, while the hum of generators fills the city streets at night. Ukraine is now reliant on energy imports from the European Union to cover its shortfall, but even this is not enough to prevent nationwide power cuts. As summer temperatures rise, the situation is expected to worsen, potentially leaving Ukrainians without power for up to 20 hours a day come winter if the attacks continue. Repairing the damaged thermal and hydroelectric power stations is proving to be a difficult and costly challenge, with some facilities potentially never returning to operation. The situation has been further exacerbated by missile and drone attacks launched by Russia, causing damage to energy facilities and posing risks of fires due to electrical device overloads. Ukraine is seeking additional sophisticated air defence systems from Western countries to protect its cities and critical infrastructure. A global peace summit is being organized in Switzerland to garner support for Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan, focusing on Russia’s withdrawal from Ukrainian territory, while key countries like China and influential counties like Brazil and South Africa have not been invited. President Zelensky’s administration aims to build global support before potentially holding a second summit with Russia in the future.
The severe impact of prolonged power cuts in Ukraine as a result of ongoing Russian bombings
