Ukraine faces risk of localized blackouts amid enemy strikes, experts rule out nationwide outages

Ukraine faces at least two attacks on its energy facilities or critical infrastructure each week. However, experts say the country’s energy system has adapted to these threats, with clear response protocols, fortified facilities, and improved coordination with air defense.

Oleksandr Kharchenko, Director of the Energy Industry Research Center, said during a briefing at Media Center Ukraine that while concentrated strikes on district heating infrastructure facilities could have serious local impacts, a nationwide blackout remains unlikely.

“Despite the risks, there is no reason to anticipate a national-scale outage. We have faced worse situations and are well-prepared for the winter heating season, restoring generating capacity, and assessing our system’s resilience. Regional blackouts are possible if individual facilities are hit, but on a national level, such attacks have little visible effect,” Kharchenko said.

He added that district heating is particularly vulnerable. Local authorities should ensure backup power sources for these installations and develop alternative plans to maintain heat supply in case of targeted attacks. 

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news