Ukraine issues urgent power conservation plea as shelling damages front-line power plant
In a dire turn of events, Ukraine faces a winter energy crisis as a power plant near the front line falls victim to shelling, prompting urgent appeals for electricity conservation.
This marks the first such warning this winter as temperatures plummet below freezing.
The energy ministry revealed that a thermal power plant in the front-line zone was attacked, resulting in severe damage to its equipment.
“This afternoon, the enemy attacked one of the thermal power plants in the front-line zone. The equipment was seriously damaged as a result of shelling,” the energy ministry said.
Though the specific plant remains undisclosed, two power units ceased operation, causing a “temporary shortage of electricity” in the grid.
As Ukraine grapples with the aftermath of the attack, the energy ministry implores citizens to use electricity judiciously, particularly during peak load hours.
“The energy ministry appeals to consumers to support power engineers by consuming electricity reasonably and economically, especially during peak load hours,” it said.
Prime Minister Denys Shmygal emphasizes the combined impact of lower temperatures, emergency repairs, and reduced solar power availability contributing to the shortages.
Ukrainian authorities have been advocating for increased air defense support from Western nations to protect against potential strikes on critical infrastructure.
With November warnings about insufficient power production, Ukraine has relied on neighboring EU countries for electricity imports.
In a significant setback, the United States Senate failed to approve emergency aid for Ukraine, leaving the future of support uncertain.
The requested $60 billion aimed to bolster Ukraine’s resilience against Russian pressure during the harsh winter. However, Republicans rejected the measure over an immigration dispute.
The Kremlin welcomed the Senate’s decision, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov accusing the White House of extravagant spending in the “furnace of the Ukrainian war.”
Despite warnings from the White House about the potential impact on Kyiv’s forces, the United States, a key ally, faces uncertainty in providing aid.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing G7 leaders, highlighted Russia’s escalating pressure on the front lines and expressed concerns about potential waning Western support in the coming year.
Zelensky emphasized that Russia’s hope lies in the collapse of the free world’s consolidation in the face of adversity.
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