Any further Russian attack on Ukraine's energy system could trigger a new wave of mass displacement as winter approaches, a senior UN official said, Reuters reported, citing Focus.
As the third winter of the war approaches, the civilian population is more vulnerable than at any other winter of the conflict due to Russian strikes on energy infrastructure and donor fatigue, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine says. Matthias Schmale.
"The real concern is that if Russia turns to the energy sector again, it could be a tipping point ... for further mass displacement of citizens, both inside and outside the country,” says Schmale. .
Any further displacement will add to the 3.6 million people currently displaced within Ukraine and the more than 6 million people who have fled across its borders to escape the conflict.
About 65% of Ukraine's own energy production is currently suspended due to Russian strikes, which is more than at the same time of the year in 2022 or 2023, Shmale said.
Ukraine relies mostly on electricity produced by its nuclear power plants, and this week its grid operator introduced restrictions on power supplies to businesses. This is the first such move since August following the massive Russian missile attack and drone strike.
The United Nations and its partners are implementing the "Humanitarian Action Plan” in winter conditions, which aims to meet the urgent needs of Ukrainian citizens by supplying fuel and other products to help people stay warm.