Ukraine Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said on Friday at a government meeting that the situation in Ukraine's energy sector after the new Russian attacks remains complicated, but the country's energy system maintains its integrity, he was quoted as saying BBC.
"The work to overcome the consequences of the blows does not stop for a minute. Energetics, rescuers and sappers work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "Emergency shutdowns for consumers have been lifted in all regions, but now we are forced to implement shutdown schedules," Schmigal said.
The Prime Minister recalled that Ukraine continues to import electricity from Europe and also announced that the government has decided to exempt from blackouts those companies that import or produce 60% of their electricity consumption themselves.
As winter approaches, Russia has resumed massive missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian energy facilities. The last of them was carried out on the night of Thursday.
Three Ukrainian nuclear power plants - Khmelnytskyi, Rivne and South Ukraine - have reduced their output for the second time in less than two weeks, IAEA Director Raphael Grossi said. This is a precautionary measure during large-scale military operations.
"Ukraine's energy infrastructure is extremely vulnerable and poses a serious threat to nuclear safety," Grossi said in a statement posted on the IAEA website. "I again call for maximum military restraint in areas with major nuclear capabilities." According to him, during an air attack, two IAEA teams stationed in Ukraine were forced to seek shelter.
A total of four nuclear power plants operate on the territory of Ukraine. However, one of them - the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant - is under the control of Russian troops. The other three have a total of nine reactors, all of which are at reduced power. One of the reactors located at the Rivne nuclear power plant was disconnected from the power grid.
US President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the massive Russian attack on Ukraine on Thursday night, which caused heavy damage to Ukrainian energy facilities.
"This attack is outrageous and serves as yet another reminder of the urgency and importance of supporting the Ukrainian people in their defense against Russian aggression. On this day, I am sending a clear message to the Ukrainian people: The United States is with you," Biden said.
The White House has been working for months to help Ukraine improve the resilience of its energy grid ahead of winter, and the Pentagon continues to provide critical military assistance, he said.
"Russia continues to underestimate the courage, endurance and determination of the Ukrainian people. The United States joins more than 50 countries in supporting Ukraine and its fight for freedom," Biden added.