The expert spoke about the consequences of attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine

MOSCOW, 11 Oct — PRIME. As a result of the shelling of energy facilities, the energy system of Ukraine suffered colossal damage, the consequences for the whole country will be serious, Dmitry Zhuravlev, scientific director of the Institute of Regional Problems, told RIA Novosti.

On Monday, the Russian Armed Forces launched a massive strike with precision-guided weapons on Ukrainian infrastructure facilities, and since Tuesday morning, Ukrainian media have been reporting new explosions. On Tuesday, explosions occurred, in particular, in Kyiv, Vinnitsa, Rivne, Dnepropetrovsk, Odessa, Nikolaev, Lvov regions, as well as Krivoy Rog, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zaporozhye.

“The blow to the energy system of Ukraine was comprehensive. Almost the whole country got it,” Zhuravlev commented.

“Although there are no exact figures yet, according to all experts, the damage is colossal. According to open data, at least 8.22 GW of thermal power plants and thermal power plants are affected in Ukraine – this is about 30% of thermal and 15% of all generation. This will lead to very serious consequences “, said the expert.

Since Tuesday, hourly power outages have been introduced in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. At the Ladyzhynska TPP in the Vinnitsa region, damage to electrical equipment was reported as a result of rocket attacks. And the authorities of the city of Galich in the Ivano-Frankivsk region on Monday reported about the shelling of the area of ​​the Burshtyn thermal power plant, from where electricity is exported to Europe. Ferrexpo, one of the largest mining companies in Ukraine, has suspended work due to power outages. ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih (formerly Kryvorizhstal), Ukraine’s largest producer of rolled steel, has limited production volumes to reduce electricity consumption. Almost half of the trains in Ukraine are delayed, Ukrainian Railways reported.

Among the key consequences for the country, Zhuravlev noted the cessation of exports, since this is one of the most important sources of currency. A blow was also dealt to the industry of Ukraine, which cannot exist without energy. Here the expert noted the reduction in production and the loss of jobs.

In addition, according to Zhuravlev, the life of the Ukrainians themselves will change significantly. “Without electricity, the work of the entire engineering infrastructure of the city is disrupted, all life at the household level. From sewer networks to food supply – freezers in stores or refrigerators in residential buildings,” he said.

“Although Ukraine does not lie in ruins, its life has changed significantly since yesterday,” Zhuravlev concluded.