Zelensky reveals extent of energy damage after Russian attacks
The latest Russian attacks in Ukraine hit 28 substations and other critical energy infrastructure facilities. Emergency repair works are ongoing in the affected regions, and power engineers are gradually restoring electricity to consumers.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this on October 19 following a conference call on the aftermath of Russian shelling, preparations for the heating season, and strengthening air defense.
The Head of State specified that 28 energy facilities, including substations, were damaged. He did not specify how many of each type of facility were damaged or the extent of destruction.
According to Zelenskyy, restoration works are being carried out in all affected regions. The President thanked employees of energy companies and repair crews who are dealing with the aftermath of the attacks.
Extent of damage to energy infrastructure
New data was released after a massive Russian attack on the night of October 19. Zelenskyy had earlier stated that more than ten energy infrastructure facilities were damaged that night alone, leaving at least 550,000 families without electricity.
Russian forces attacked energy facilities in 11 regions of Ukraine: Vinnytsia, Volyn, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Kharkiv, Ternopil, Odesa, and Rivne.
According to the President, 16 ballistic missiles were used against Kyiv and Kyiv region. In addition, the Russian army used more than 200 drones of various types, including reactive Shahed drones.
Besides energy infrastructure, a medical clinic, a school, a metro station, residential buildings, and other civilian facilities were damaged. There were also reports of strikes on railway stations, warehouses, and commercial premises.
According to NEC Ukrenergo, restrictions on electricity consumption are in effect in some regions on October 19. Capacity limitation schedules have been introduced for industrial enterprises, and hourly outage schedules for other consumer categories.
Engineers attribute the need for restrictions to equipment damage following Russian attacks. The exact timing of outages depends on the situation in each region and is determined by local grid operators.
Preparation for the heating season and restoration of the power system
During the conference call, Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi presented a report on infrastructure preparation for the heating season.
Meeting participants identified priority areas for the government, energy companies, regional administrations, and local authorities. They primarily focused on restoring damaged facilities and ensuring stable operation of energy infrastructure.
However, the President did not announce the timelines for full restoration of all 28 affected facilities. Detailed data on the volume of equipment to be replaced has not yet been published.
Ukraine demands acceleration of air defense supplies
Strengthening air defense amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks was another topic of the meeting.
Zelenskyy said that the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs, as well as staff of the Presidential Office, were given urgent instructions to intensify contacts with international partners who can accelerate deliveries of air defense systems.
According to the President, some political agreements on aid to Ukraine previously reached have not yet been implemented at the practical level.
Moreover, Zelenskyy stated that deliveries of certain types of critically needed weaponry have been delayed at the level of the American military department. He did not specify which items have been delayed or the timelines for their receipt.
The President announced an additional meeting in the evening of October 19, where the results of contacts with international partners will be reviewed.
Ukraine to increase production of anti-drone capabilities
Another decision was to expand orders for the production of turrets designed to counter Russian attack drones.
Zelenskyy said this issue was discussed with the Minister of Defense, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the Commander of the Air Force. According to the President, these systems have already proven effective against Shahed drones.
To increase the output of such equipment, organizational, financial, and production processes should be accelerated. Specific volumes of additional orders are not disclosed.
The meeting also addressed support for Ukrainian logistics from the Baltic states. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to present a separate report on the possibilities of such cooperation.
In addition, the military command reported problems with the operation of Starlink and Starshield satellite communications services. The President instructed to continue discussing this issue with partners.
Thus, after another wave of Russian strikes, Ukrainian authorities are simultaneously addressing several tasks: restoration of damaged energy infrastructure, preparation for the heating season, acceleration of international air defense supplies, and expansion of production of drone countermeasures.
Based on materials from: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, NSDC of Ukraine, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, NEC Ukrenergo.
