After the heaviest Russian missile attacks in weeks which targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, power supplies have been restored to nearly six million Ukrainians, President Volodimir Zelenskyy announced on Saturday evening in Kyiv during his video address.
“The restoration work continues,” President Zelenskyy said, adding that there remain major problems with heating in houses as well as with water supplies. He called particular attention to what he referred to as Friday’s “terrorist attack,” in which Russia fired around 76 missiles into Ukraine.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has been hit with ruthless bombardments by Russia which seeks to incapacitate the country by bringing down vital infrastructure.
Ukraine’s state energy company Ukrenergo reported that national energy consumption fell by 50% as a result of the attacks. It emphasised the extent of the damage, which it said would make it considerably more difficult to restore the electricity supply than after previous attacks. Russia had hit thermal power plants, hydroelectric plants and network substations.
In Kyiv, thousands of people sought shelter in subway stations deep underground during the bombardment. Events, such as the concert below, were interrupted by power outages.
Ukrainian singer Artem Pyvovarov finishes his concert in Cherkasy despite the power outage. The concert hall sings with him. Entire Ukraine is subject to frequent power cuts after Russian rocket strikes damaged country’s power grid. Video @Illya_Ayzin pic.twitter.com/RIEu6bNFWm
— Kyrylo Loukerenko (@K_Loukerenko) December 12, 2022
President Zelenskyy called on the international community to give Ukraine the means to protect its airspace – specifically with an effective air defence system: “You can do it. You can provide protection for our people – 100% protection against these Russian terrorist attacks.”
Air defence forces appeared to have caught many of the incoming rockets. “I thank everyone for their work,” said Mykola Oleschuk, the head of Ukraine’s air defence forces, said on Telegram.
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The US plans to equip Ukraine with its highly sophisticated (and expensive) Patriot air defence systems, although rocket supplies are likely to be limited. This would provide a considerable protection against future strikes, although the Kremlin stated that the defence systems themselves would become a target in future.
