Russia is currently seeking to destroy Ukraine’s water supply, as it is difficult to survive for more than three days without water and sewerage, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Denys Shmyhal said in an interview with Politico. According to him, Kyiv is preparing for a new winter campaign of attacks by strengthening defences around energy, water and gas facilities.
Briefly about the main points
- Shmyhal described the water supply as a new target for Russian attacks.
- The minister believes that it is difficult to survive for more than three days without water and sewerage.
- Ukraine is installing protective shelters for energy, water and gas facilities.
- Kyiv needs an additional €500 million to ensure its energy security ahead of winter.
- Ukraine needs PAC-3 missiles to intercept ballistic missiles.
Water is becoming a key target of attacks
Last year, Russia focused its attacks on the electricity and heating supplies, he said Shmygal. Even during power cuts, people were able to survive as long as they had gas and water. Now, according to the minister’s assessment, Moscow’s aim is precisely to destroy the water supply systems.
Shmyhal linked attacks on the energy sector with Russia’s intention to undermine the Ukrainian economy and arms production, as well as to wear down society over the winter. He compared the tit-for-tat strikes between Ukraine and Russia to the «12th round», in which each boxer hopes that his opponent will go down first.
Protection of facilities and decentralisation of systems
Ukraine is building shelters for electricity, water and gas supply facilities. At the same time, the government is distributing modular boiler houses and generators. Such installations are smaller and more widely dispersed than conventional power stations, making it more difficult to put them all out of action simultaneously through attacks.
According to the minister, following the winter attacks, electricity generation in Ukraine this year stood at around 12 GW, whilst the shortfall reached 6 GW, leading to rolling blackouts. Russia has destroyed or damaged more than 80% of Ukraine’s generating capacity, Shmyhal stated.
The need for interceptors and funding
To defend against ballistic missiles, Ukraine needs PAC-3 interceptors for its systems Patriot. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy He spoke of a target of 300 such missiles. Shmyhal also emphasised the need for additional funding to carry out repairs and build up a reserve of equipment ahead of winter.
Around 40 countries and organisations have already contributed €2.1 billion to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. Last year, the fund signed 367 procurement contracts and delivered energy aid worth €447 million. At the same time, according to Shmyhal, Ukraine needs a further €500 million by winter to ensure the stability of its energy sector and approximately €400 million to restore the state-owned gas company Naftogaz following Russian attacks.
