While last winter the Russians focused on attacks on electricity and heating, the enemy’s strategy is now shifting toward the water supply - which, according to the Ukrainian government, is where the new front in the Kremlin’s winter campaign lies.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal discussed this in an interview with POLITICO, as reported by Dengi.ua.
Why Water Has Become a New Target for Russia
According to Shmyhal, last time, even during widespread blackouts, Ukrainians were able to hold out as long as they had gas and water. Now the Kremlin’s strategy is different: without water and sewage services, people cannot survive even three days—and it is precisely this “devastating” effect, in his view, that Russia is trying to create. The goal of these attacks, according to the minister, is not purely infrastructural but psychological - to wear down society to the point where it begins to pressure the government to surrender.
How Much Has Ukraine’s Energy Sector Suffered Over the Years of War
The figures cited by Shmyhal illustrate the scale of the destruction. Before 2014, the country’s power grid could generate 54.5 GW; with the start of the full-scale war, this figure dropped to 32 GW, and after last winter’s attacks, it fell to a critical 12 GW - 6 GW less than what consumers actually need. According to the minister, more than 80% of all Ukrainian power plants have already been destroyed or damaged.
How Much Funding Does Ukraine Need Ahead of the New Winter
In addition to interceptor missiles for air defense, Ukraine critically needs funding - Shmyhal estimates the Energy Support Fund’s needs at approximately 500 million euros. Naftogaz, which suffers from Russian attacks on an almost daily basis, needs another 400 million euros for restoration. According to the prime minister, Kyiv is turning primarily to Canada for this funding.
