Russia is preparing attacks on Ukraine's energy and water supply systems ahead of winter — Shmyhal
Russia is planning new attacks on Ukraine’s power grid and water supply facilities ahead of the heating season. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that the enemy intends to wear down Ukrainian society by striking critical infrastructure.
“Putin wants to cripple our power grid and destroy our economy and weapons production. He also hopes that this winter, our society will break down from exhaustion and pressure the leadership to sign a surrender,” he said.
The publication notes that Ukraine is conducting a campaign of long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries, which, according to Shmyhal, has already knocked out about 40% of Russia’s main oil refining capacity and caused a more severe fuel shortage in the country.
“It’s like the twelfth round of a fight, and every boxer hopes his opponent will go down first,” Shmyhal explained.
The minister expressed hope that Ukrainian strikes, as well as sanctions from allies, will force Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to end the war as early as this fall. If that does not happen, Ukraine faces another winter of massive Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
“Right now, Russia’s goal is to destroy our water supply. Last winter, they targeted our electricity and heating supplies, but even during power outages, it was possible to survive as long as there was gas and water. Without water and sewage systems, it is extremely difficult to survive for more than three days,” Shmyhal emphasized.
The energy minister noted that the Russians have destroyed or damaged more than 80% of Ukraine’s power plants.
At the same time, Shmyhal believes that Ukraine will get through this winter.
“We’re ready for it,” he concluded in an interview with Politico.
As a reminder, gas imports to Ukraine fell 28-fold in April.
Ukraine will increase gas imports from Poland, according to the regulator.
