The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has asked the European Union on Tuesday to increase electricity exports in view of the numerous power cuts suffered as a result of the bombings carried out in the framework of the Russian invasion of the territory.
In a speech on the occasion of the international conference of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, organized by France and Ukraine, Zelensky said that the task «is to preserve the main energy system of Ukraine and to ensure operations despite Russia’s attempts to turn Ukraine into the darkest place in Europe».
«That is why this format is necessary. We have to agree on concrete measures that will help not only Ukrainians to survive the winter, but also to demonstrate to any anti-European and anti-democratic forces that Europe has learned to prevent catastrophes and protect its people,» he said, as reported by the Ukrainian presidency.
Thus, he stressed that the country needs equipment such as transformers and electric generators, as well as high voltage networks and turbines, among others. «Secondly, at least until the winter is over, we will need emergency assistance from the European energy system,» he said, before stressing that this includes the «supply of electricity from EU countries».
«For this to be possible, the European power grid must take the decision to increase its capacity as much as necessary. This power supply support could cost €800 million, as prices stand. It is significant, but less than what a blackout in Ukraine could cost us all,» he pointed out.
Therefore, he said, he urged the EU to «make an effort» to achieve «specific results» and urged Brussels to send special missions to vital energy facilities involved in electricity supply in Ukraine, on which stability «in the whole region» depends.
«These missions can become a stabilizing factor in the situation and an appropriate international monitoring tool,» he said before warning that «because of the destruction of power plants at the hands of terrorists, Ukraine has been forced to use more gas than planned.»
In this sense, the Ukrainian president assured that «they need 2 billion cubic meters of gas to contribute to «stability». He also said that he expects an «agreement on the financing of a project to purchase and deliver LED lamps to Ukraine». «It might seem insignificant, but 50 million such lamps would save one gigawatt of electricity,» he added.
Zelenski has also stressed the need to «create a special permanent mechanism for coordinating these measures, which will make it possible to effectively respond to the challenge posed by Russian energy terrorism.» «Unfortunately, we still do not have a modern air defense system that can intercept 100 percent of Russian missiles and drones,» he lamented.
ENERGY SITUATION The country’s state-owned power operator, Ukrenergo, has indicated that the situation remains very «difficult» as the country is experiencing «significant» power outages across much of its territory.
«Added to this are bad weather conditions, such as snowfall, frost, strong winds… which adversely affect the distribution of high-voltage networks and complicate the work of repair teams,» the company said in a statement.
Thus, the text points out that in the east of the country, Russian forces are «again shelling several districts, which is damaging the energy infrastructure.» «These repair works will start once we get the go-ahead from the Armed Forces on the ground,» it added.
«During these times when there is no electricity, please be careful and take care of your family members, help those close to you,» he said.
