The head of Ukrenergo, Vitaliy Zaychenko, reported that Russian forces have changed their strategy for attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, shifting to a scorched earth tactic. As a result, emergency power outages are expected in the country today, October 17, during the evening peak consumption period.
This is reported by Finway
New approach to attacks on energy infrastructure
Zaychenko explained that previously, Russia employed massive rocket strikes, launching up to 100 missiles in a single attack and hitting Ukrenergo facilities and power plants. However, the enemy has now abandoned this strategy, as it did not yield the expected results, and has switched to the scorched earth methodology. In particular, energy districts are being destroyed during attacks, and thermal power plants, which provide heat and light to the population, are suffering severely.
“Previously, there were massive rocket attacks, where 100 missiles were launched in one attack, targeting energy facilities – NEC Ukrenergo and power plants. Now they have realized that this tactic does not lead them to success and have switched to the scorched earth tactic during attacks on the energy sector, destroying energy districts. Thermal power plants, which are supposed to supply consumers with heat and light, are suffering greatly,” Zaychenko noted.
Emergency outages and recovery of energy facilities
According to the company’s head, today, electricity supply restrictions will last during the evening peak consumption period. In the eastern regions, emergency outages may begin earlier than in other areas. Specialists continue to restore energy facilities that have already been hit dozens of times.
Vitaliy Zaychenko also mentioned that more than half of the autotransformers at strategic Ukrenergo facilities are now equipped with protection that can withstand kamikaze drone attacks of the Shahed type.