Photo: Roman Mrochko/Telegram
Russia has intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, aiming to exploit a vulnerable period when the power system is operating under heavy pressure from extreme heat and seasonal maintenance, according to experts cited by Stolytsia NEWS.
During the summer, part of Ukraine’s generating capacity is offline for scheduled repairs, leaving the grid with a smaller reserve margin. Analysts say Moscow is seeking to take advantage of this situation by increasing attacks on Kyiv and other regions.
The main targets remain power generation facilities, high-voltage substations, transmission networks, and other critical infrastructure needed to keep major cities, water supply systems, and communications functioning. Even damage to individual nodes can force changes in electricity distribution and cause temporary outages.
Experts note that the risk of large-scale blackouts depends on the intensity of Russian attacks, the effectiveness of air defenses, and the speed of repairs. At the same time, Ukraine’s energy system is considered more resilient than in previous years thanks to additional equipment reserves, expanded distributed generation, new cogeneration units, and experienced repair crews.
However, the threat of local and temporary blackouts remains high.
Ukrenergo chief Vitalii Zaichenko has warned that heat waves and widespread air-conditioner use increase electricity consumption by about 25%. Ukraine will need higher electricity imports to cover demand, and if Russian strikes continue, outages of up to five hours per day could become possible in July and August.
