Blackouts in Kyiv as Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid reach the capital | World News

Sustained Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid have plunged the country into a crisis, with entire apartment blocks in the capital going dark. The city’s military administration reported that at least 10 per cent of consumers were disconnected as a result of the blackouts.

The Russian airstrikes targeting the grid since March have caused significant damage, including an April barrage that hit Kyiv’s largest thermal power plant and a massive attack on May 8 that targeted power generation and transmission facilities in several regions. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that half of Ukraine’s energy system was damaged as a result of these attacks.

Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko explained that without adequate air defenses to counter the assaults and allow for repairs, there are no quick fixes to the electricity shortages. Ukraine is appealing to Western allies for more air defense systems and spare parts to fix its Soviet-era plants.

The situation is dire, with the first major test of the grid expected in July and August when consumption levels are high. The country is struggling to generate enough power to meet demand, and the shortage is greater than its ability to import electricity from neighboring countries.

As Ukraine grapples with the aftermath of the attacks, the government is exploring options to restore power generation, including acquiring parts from long-decommissioned German plants. However, the challenges are immense, and the country is in urgent need of support from the international community to address the crisis.