Russia's massive attack on the energy infrastructure on March 22 caused damage to thermal and hydroelectric generation, key substations, and a list of urgent needs for restoration is being prepared and will be shared with partners. But in addition to repairs, there is a need to increase capacity, especially maneuvering capacity, for Kharkiv and Odesa, as well as to strengthen air defense. This was stated by Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko at a meeting of the G7+ Coordination Group on March 28, UNN reports, citing the Energy Ministry.
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The Minister of Energy informed the participants of the meeting about the consequences of the Russian attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure on March 22, which was the largest since the beginning of the full-scale war.
"Heat and power generation has been damaged. Much of the capacity will take a long time to restore. Key substations were also damaged," Galushchenko said.
The Minister emphasized that a list of urgent needs is being prepared to restore the capacities of public and private sector energy companies affected by the attack. This list will be handed over to partners for processing.
"We realize that the Russians will not stop and will continue their attacks. With this in mind, we need to carry out repairs. But, in addition to repairs, we need to think about how we can quickly increase generation capacity. The fastest way out is maneuvering capacities, which are especially important for regions such as Kharkiv and Odesa," he emphasized.
Galushchenko thanked international partners for their assistance, which helped the repair campaign last year and the stable passage of the heating season. "But now we are facing new challenges. Therefore, it is important to continue our cooperation to be ready for the next winter," he said.
To strengthen the security of energy facilities, the Minister drew attention to the importance of increasing the capacity of Ukraine's air defense and improving the physical protection of energy infrastructure. Galushchenko also emphasized the need to increase Ukraine's electricity import capacity to ensure the stability of the energy system.
The participants of the meeting confirmed their readiness to continue to assist the Ukrainian energy sector. Deputy Secretary of State Jeffrey Payette, who chaired the meeting, assured that the relevant work is ongoing at the G7+ level and directly with the United States, and Special Envoy of the Italian Foreign Minister Davide La Cecilia emphasized that after the massive attacks, support for the Ukrainian energy sector should be strengthened, which is what Italy, which currently holds the G7 presidency, is working on.