Ukraine's biggest private energy provider is living in permanent crisis mode because of Russian attacks on the grid, its chief executive has told the BBC. Most of Ukraine is suffering from lengthy power cuts as temperatures drop and Maxim Timchenko, whose company DTEK provides power for 5.6 million Ukrainians, says the intensity of strikes has been so frequent 'we just don't have time to recover'. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia is aware that winter cold could become one of its deadliest weapons, as parents shelter their children each night in basements, hoping air defenses will hold.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion nears, Timchenko notes that DTEK's energy grid has been repeatedly targeted by waves of drones and missiles, making it difficult to cope with the resulting chaos. In Odesa, tens of thousands of residents have been without power for three days due to a coordinated attack.
Despite the hardships, Ukrainians are supporting one another during these trying times. Many are relying on generators and power banks to cope with electricity rationing, with some people opening their homes to help others charge their devices. The Ukrainian energy supply, heavily reliant on three large nuclear power plants, faces significant challenges due to damage from continual attacks. DTEK continues to face difficulties securing spare parts for repairs and has invested millions in restoration efforts, vowing to keep the power on for millions amid ongoing conflict.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion nears, Timchenko notes that DTEK's energy grid has been repeatedly targeted by waves of drones and missiles, making it difficult to cope with the resulting chaos. In Odesa, tens of thousands of residents have been without power for three days due to a coordinated attack.
Despite the hardships, Ukrainians are supporting one another during these trying times. Many are relying on generators and power banks to cope with electricity rationing, with some people opening their homes to help others charge their devices. The Ukrainian energy supply, heavily reliant on three large nuclear power plants, faces significant challenges due to damage from continual attacks. DTEK continues to face difficulties securing spare parts for repairs and has invested millions in restoration efforts, vowing to keep the power on for millions amid ongoing conflict.
