Ukraine has overcome months of repeated attacks on its energy infrastructure by Russia, allowing it to resume electricity exports for the first time in six months. Last October, Russia launched a deliberate assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, resulting in power cuts and blackouts during the winter months.

As a result, Ukraine had to halt electricity exports. However, the situation has improved, and Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko has authorized the resumption of exports, while prioritizing local customers.

Mr. Halushchenko acknowledged the hard work of engineers and international partners in restoring the energy system, and expressed optimism about attracting financial resources for the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. Despite the progress, Ukraine’s electricity network operator, Ukrenergo, has warned that Russian attacks may continue.

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Ukrenergo revealed that over 1,200 missiles and drones have been launched at Ukrainian energy facilities during the war, making it the largest attempt to destroy a European country’s energy system.

During the harsh winter, some Ukrainian cities had to rely on “resilience centers” for power and heat during power cuts, which also provided basic supplies like food and medicines. Ukraine’s thermal and hydroelectric power plants have suffered significant damage, and Kyiv has lost control of Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, to Russia.

However, recent improvements have brought relief to Ukrainian residents, with power supplies becoming more reliable in many areas. Ukrainians are hopeful about resuming electricity exports to the European Union, their main energy export market, which was disrupted during the war. Despite the progress, the threat of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure persists, requiring ongoing vigilance and reconstruction efforts.

As Ukraine continues to recover from the damage caused by Russia’s attacks, the winter landscape is marked by fresh snow and the sound of electricity crackling in the wires.

However, the scars of the conflict are evident in the pockmarked transformers, damaged by shrapnel from Russian missiles. Efforts to protect the remaining infrastructure with concrete and sandbags are underway to safeguard against further attacks.