The Ukrainian science fiction film “You are the Universe” monopolizes the topic of conversation in the small tavern run by Nastya. A space invaded by a weak, yellowish light in which there is no room for more than ten people. After … Four o’clock in the afternoon, it’s already dark in Ukraine. North of the district of ObolonIn Kyivthere has been no light for over six hours. And there are at least a few more left before he returns. Despite this, the Ukrainians succeed. There aren’t many other options. Most private companies and public institutions have adapted their logistics after several systematic Russian bombing campaigns against the energy sector.
The main goal is to maintain as much functionality as possible. This bar, filled with a strong smell of dried fish – a popular snack in the country – can offer all its services thanks to a generator. Noisy devices are camouflaged in the urban environment and their constant, annoying buzzing seems to go unnoticed. What cannot be hidden is the cost to be paid in this situation. Every day, millions of people face darkness and problematic phone connections across the country.
“Life has become more complicated and morale tends to decline. But thanks to power outage schedules, planning the day and work is much easier. In the office as at home, everything is adapted,” he explains. Viktoria Ludchenkoneighbor of Obolón. A few meters from the tavern, Eugen, her husband and military volunteer since 2022, points out with more optimism that “the batteries are charged, the flashlights are ready to work and the gas stoves for cooking are full. Those at the front have it even worse.”
The lack of electricity has imposed a new routine in Ukraine. Now, civilians are no longer just aware of notifications on their phones, which warn of the arrival of drones and missiles. They also check online apps when the power will go out and how long they will be without power. With each new blow from the enemy, the hours of darkness and cold increase.
Ten million Ukrainians found themselves without electricity on November 17, 2022. Russia had launched its campaign against the neighboring country’s energy infrastructure a month earlier. Over time, bombing became more effective. THE waves of Russian drones and missiles attempt to destroy energy infrastructure They are particularly concentrated during the colder months.
The Ukrainian Energy Support Fund, an initiative of Kyiv and the European Commissionpointed out in its October report that in the first six months of this year, Ukraine’s energy sector suffered its greatest losses since the start of the war. More than half of production capacity was out of service and up to 70% of thermal capacity was lost.
The Obolón neighborhood in kyiv experiences power cuts eight hours a day (in the first image), which affects “invincibility points” like the one run by Marina (second image) to provide recharges and some heat behind the shelter of her stoves. Nearly four years after the Russian invasion, Ukrainians continue to live in darkness (last image)
Attacks do not only affect electricity supplies or gas installations. Very often, they cause damage to water distribution points and even affect public transport.
Russian strategy, generally speaking, involves launching waves of drones and missiles in synchronized salvos to saturate Ukraine’s defenses. The new tactic relies on simultaneously attacking production facilities, as well as electricity transmission and distribution systems in specific regions, with each bombardment.
If before they tried to cover the main installations, they now target the most vulnerable and difficult to repair infrastructure. The objective of Kremlin is to demoralize civilians and undermine the capacity of the Ukrainian economy.
Light and heat shelters
The Ukrainian government, together with organizations from allied countries, has built the so-called “invincibility points”. These places offer electricity to recharge all types of devices away from stoves which heat the environment. A cup of hot tea or coffee is never missing. They also constitute the first refuge for civilians in the event of nearby bombing.
Marinewho prefers not to pronounce his last name, runs one of these points. “We have been here for three years. I thought we would close it soon, that it wouldn’t be necessary. But no. You try to convince yourself that everything will get better, that everything will pass. And the situation is getting worse. The number of bombings increased. If a month ago there was electricity for more than eight hours, now we have electricity three or four hours a day.”, relates.
This woman’s house is in the Luhansk busy and therefore avoids giving references to his last name. Russia came to his doorstep in 2014 and 2022. The invasion of Moscow forced his family to separate.
“If a month ago there was electricity for more than eight hours, now we have electricity for about three or four hours a day”
Marine
Charging point manager
She continues to help her compatriots, but admits that fatigue is taking its toll. “This has a very harsh psychological and moral impact”he emphasizes. There are elderly or disabled people who cannot leave their homes because the elevators no longer work without electricity. Marina and her team of volunteers also contribute to this work.
“The Russian Federation’s new campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is seriously disrupting essential services on which civilians depend,” he said Friday. Danielle BelleDirector of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine
Moscow’s troops launched up to five massive combined attacks that knocked out power and heat in November. Was supply cuts of up to 36 hours in some places. In total, in the last month alone, 226 civilians died in Ukraine and 952 were injured. The UN attributes this increase in casualties to intense Russian bombing of energy infrastructure.
Energy corruption
Ukrainians face power outages, while their loved ones fight on the front lines. Additionally, they are witnessing the whirlwind of information about the comings and goings of the Trump administration and its peace proposals. Added to all this is the pressure of Washington cede unconquered territories to the enemy. And, in the midst of all this situation, the country has witnessed a case of corruption that specifically affects the energy sector.
“The Russian Federation’s new campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure seriously disrupts the essential services on which civilians depend”
Danielle Belle
Director of the United Nations Human Rights Observer Mission
The biggest scandal of Zelensky’s presidency has tarnished his image by affecting members of the government and very close businessmen. THE “Operation Midas”a system of bribes, commissions and money laundering worth $100 million (85 million euros) outraged the entire country as power cuts in the capital exceeded 14 hours. The last blow was the release of his right hand, Andrei Yermakafter the dismissal of two Ukrainian ministers.
Social unrest has increased alongside criticism of politicians. Viktoria considers that “corruption in the energy sector is just the tip of the iceberg. “I think all of the country’s leaders are corrupt.” She is convinced that when the elections take place, “people and perhaps former soldiers interested in the development of the country and not in money” will come to power. Eugen nods and ends the conversation: “We are not fighting for the government, but for Ukraine and its people”.
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