Winter blackouts could last “up to 20 hours a day”, experts warn

Source: Center for Countering Disinformation

As cold season approaches, Ukraine might face significant power supply challenges, with potential blackouts lasting between 12 to 20 hours a day, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation.

Energy analyst Yuri Korolchuk of Energy Strategies Institute revealed two possible scenarios for Ukraine’s energy sector this winter. The more optimistic outlook envisions the stable operation of 8-9 nuclear reactors and a mild winter, allowing for the restoration of around 3 GW of damaged capacity. In this case, daily power outages could be limited to 12 hours.

By contrast,  the worst case scenario sees the restoration of only 2000 MW and operation of 6-7 reactors, which can make things hard for Ukrainian if a harsh winter factors in.  If Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the country could end up with blackouts potentially lasting up to 20 hours a day.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian lawmaker Serhiy Nagornyak warned that this winter Ukrainians might expect electricity for 12-14 hours a day if freezing temperatures go down to -10°C.

Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.

The 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received another batch of supplies as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. This time, the military received seven quad bikes and four mobile shower and bath units.

In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.

Petro Poroshenko’s lawyers have appealed to the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding that NABU be obligated to register proceedings regarding the fact of exerting influence on the court and to recognize Petro Poroshenko as a victim in the case of the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, due to her pressure on Supreme Court judges who were considering a lawsuit to overturn sanctions.

Internationally recognized brands and financial institutions should direct capital to Ukraine now, not waiting for the hostilities to end. This was emphasized by Rinat Akhmetov, president of FC Shakhtar, during a working visit to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where he met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.