Europe must donate more to repair Ukraine’s power grid while millions of people have no power
Workers disassemble an auto transformer, which was completely destroyed after the Ukrenergo high-voltage power substation was directly hit by a missile, in central Ukraine on November 10. (Photo: Ed Ram/Getty Images)
One of the major international energy organizations coordinating efforts to help Ukraine’s power grid withstand repeated Russian attacks has urged European energy companies to donate more essential equipment.
The Energy Community told CNN it has coordinated donations of specialized equipment since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, helping to repair damage to critical infrastructure deliberately targeted by Russian forces.
“This month, seven shipments of energy equipment coordinated by the Secretariat in cooperation with the EU Emergency Response Coordination Center (ERCC) have arrived in Ukraine,” said Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Community Secretariat of the Energy.
“These are much-needed tools, fuses, welding electrodes, electrometers, generators and other electricity and gas equipment donated by companies from Estonia, the UK, France, Italy, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania.”
Since the start of the war, 37 shipments from 20 countries have been delivered to Ukraine, according to the statement, and 47 more deliveries are planned.
“Items that cannot be delivered will be procured through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund,” Lorkowski said. “The first procurement of equipment is nearing completion and the emergency equipment is expected to be delivered to Ukraine shortly.”
On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said six million Ukrainians were without power, describing the situation as “very difficult.”
“Energy and utility workers, all of our services are doing everything they can to stabilize the system and give people more energy for longer,” Zelensky added.
And on Thursday morning, heavy Russian shelling knocked out power in the newly liberated city of Kherson in southern Ukraine, according to Yaroslav Yanushevych, head of the Kherson region’s military administration.
The call for more equipment came after NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said last week that foreign ministers will increase “non-lethal support” to Ukraine, including fuel, medical supplies, winter and drone blockers.