It is necessary to minimize power consumption from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (6 a.m. to 9 p.m. CEST), said a Zelenskyj consultant. If that doesn’t happen, you have to prepare for temporary power outages. The Ukrainian network operator Ukrenergo then made it clear that the power restrictions should only apply on Thursday. The electricity will be switched off in each area for up to four hours at different times.
The reason for this is a lack of capacity in the system, according to a statement on Telegram. However, with the onset of cold, it could not be ruled out “that we will have to ask you for help more often”. “Please do not turn on any unnecessary electronic devices,” Zelenskyy asked. The time for shutdowns to stabilize the grid will be all the shorter.
Before winter: Moscow aims for energy supply
At the beginning of winter, the Russian army made a targeted attempt to undermine the electricity and heat supply in the Ukraine. According to Ukrainian sources, around a third of the power plants have been destroyed as a result of increased attacks since the beginning of last week. Experts try to eliminate the damage as best as possible.
In the capital Kyiv, district heating is to be switched on again on Thursday, as announced by Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The repair and rescue services have been increased by ten percent. Klitschko called on the citizens of the capital to save electricity. You should not use fan heaters or air conditioners.
Selenskyj also discussed with his government how failures of the damaged networks can be avoided in winter. Work is underway to provide mobile power sources for critical infrastructure in cities, towns and villages, he said.
UN dealt with Iranian drones
The controversial use of Iranian drones in Ukraine was discussed in the UN Security Council on Wednesday evening (local time). Russian representative Dmitri Polyansky dismissed the reports as “unfounded allegations and conspiracy theories”. Only drones made in Russia are used.
“I would advise you not to underestimate the technological capabilities of the Russian drone industry,” he said. At the same time, he threatened to stop cooperation with the United Nations if there were a UN inspection of the drones. “We don’t want to do that, but we have no choice,” said Russia’s deputy ambassador to the UN.
The drone cause was raised by the USA, Great Britain and France. According to US State Department spokesman Ned Price, they expressed “great concern about Russia’s acquisition of these UAVs from Iran.” There is “ample evidence” of the use of these drones on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
Putin extends power with martial law
In a speech, Zelenskyj also addressed the men in the areas occupied by Moscow and declared their own territory. Under no circumstances should the men there be drafted into the Russian army. “Avoid that if at all possible,” says Seleskyj. Anyone who can leave these areas should do so. Those who have been drafted should lay down their arms and try to desert to the Ukrainians. “The most important thing: save their lives and be sure to help others, too!” he said.
Russian ruler Vladimir Putin declared martial law in the Ukrainian regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia and Kherson on Wednesday. Russia claims them for itself in violation of international law and considers the Ukrainians living there as Russian citizens. This increases the danger that the men will be forced to serve in the Russian army and have to fight against their compatriots.