During the morning shelling on April 11, Russian war criminals completely destroyed the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant in the Kyiv region.
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Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Centernergo Andrei Gota said that during a night missile and drone attack the station was hit, which resulted in a large-scale fire in the turbine shop.
Currently, Centrenergo JSC has lost 100% of its generation. The consequences of the attack on the thermal power plant are being discussed in Ukraine and the world.
Restoring the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant without sufficient air defense systems is a futile endeavor, says the head of Centrenergo.
The thermal power plant is subject to restoration and the energy sector already has proposals to provide equipment from European countries. However, given the constant danger of Russian attacks, renewing thermal power plants without providing Ukraine with air defense systems is a “useless endeavor,” Gota said on Voice of America.
After the Russian shelling, the situation at the Trypillya thermal power plant is complex. If the thermal power plant cannot be restored, the Ministry of Energy will look for other sources of generation, said Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Svetlana Grinchuk.
The situation at the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant is really difficult… The destruction was significant, I think in a few days we will have a clearer picture as to whether it will be possible to restore some equipment there, at least partially,” Grinchuk said.
Ukrenergo said whether there will be power outages due to the destruction of the Trypillya Thermal Power Plant. The company emphasized that the loss of Trypillya Thermal Power Plant, like any large generation facility, had a negative impact on the energy balance, since due to its destruction during peak hours of the day, Ukraine will have less internal capacity to cover consumption.
Now there is a small surplus in the system of exports, because solar power plants are operating, but in the evening, from 19:00 to 22:00, a slight deficit is possible.
Diplomats’ reaction
The shortage of supplies of modern Patriot air defense systems made it possible for the Russians to destroy the Trypillya thermal power plant near Kiev, Foreign Minister Kuleba said on the sidelines of the Ukrainian-Slovak government consultations in Mikhailovtsi.
Ukraine needs more air defense assets, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said and called on House Republicans to take immediate action to approve aid.
The United States and partners are looking for additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian energy facilities, the Pentagon said.
Of course, the most important thing we can do is approve additional funding. But that doesn’t mean the Department of Defense and the US government are doing nothing, said Secretary of Defense spokesman Pat Ryder.
He added that the US Department of Defense continues to “consult closely with international allies and partners, as well as Ukraine, on the importance of providing them with these critical capabilities, particularly air defense.”
Large-scale attacks by Russia on the energy system of Ukraine occur against the backdrop of a reduction in supplies from Western partners. The Kremlin needs this not only to destroy civilian infrastructure and deplete Ukrainian air defenses, but also to create the basis for a future offensive, according to The Wall Street Journal.
It is noted that before the current strikes that destroy thermal generation, Russian troops struck hydroelectric power stations. According to experts, by the beginning of summer the situation with the effectiveness of air defense may become critical.
WSJ quotes US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson, who considers Russia’s actions to be another attempt to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people and plunge Ukraine into darkness.
The publication believes that Russia’s actions against Ukraine are now of a different nature – new tactics and greater consequences. The key difference is that Russia is no longer targeting distribution, but generation. These strikes are more accurate and concentrated.
In addition, as The Wall Street Journal notes, large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy system are occurring against the backdrop of a reduction in supplies of military equipment, ammunition, and weapons to Western partners. Financial support was also greatly benefited. The decrease in reserves forces Ukraine to try to defend only certain locations and cities.
Patriot for Ukraine: the European Parliament’s demarche will not affect the EU decision
The European Parliament’s decision not to vote on funding the EU Council due to the EU’s failure to provide air defense to Ukraine is a symbolic gesture in support of Kyiv. The EU Council will receive the money, DW’s source says.
Over the past 10 years, the European Parliament has systematically not voted on decisions on funding the Council of the EU, but “money for this still comes through other budgetary opportunities.” According to the source, by refusing to vote on funding for the EU Council, MEPs are demonstrating their dissatisfaction with the way they are cooperating with them on problematic issues.
In recent years it was the migration crisis, this year it was the allocation of Patriot for Ukraine,” the interlocutor explained.
However, in his opinion, “the fact that this news hit the media headlines” is another way to remind Europeans that Ukraine urgently needs air defense.
In the current situation, we need to use all the means at our disposal,” the interlocutor noted.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.