As Russian missiles hurtled toward the Ukrainian power plant, staff rushed to the shelters, while a small group of workers remained in the control room protected by sandbags, to keep the system running manually.
Inside a power plant in an undisclosed location in Ukraine, as Russia steps up attacks on energy infrastructure. (Photo: Reuters)
The power plant, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, has been targeted in Russian air strikes on Ukraine's power grid as the conflict enters its third winter.
Outside the control center is a vast machine room with holes in the walls and extensive damage from the November 17 missile attack. A burning smell hangs in the air and water drips from the damaged roof.
Missile fragments lay on the floor, twisted metal plates were piled on one side, and damaged equipment was strewn everywhere. Workers in dirty protective gear were busy repairing damaged power generation systems.
Workers in the control room are protected by sandbags. (Photo: Reuters)
Serhii, 52, a worker at the plant for more than 30 years, and his colleagues see themselves as on the front lines of a crucial battle in the 33-month war with Russia, trying to maintain power supplies for millions of Ukrainians.
Russia considers Ukraine's power system a legitimate target in the conflict, attacking Ukrainian energy facilities since launching grid attacks in the spring.
The power plant struggled to maintain operations despite heavy damage after Russian attacks. (Photo: Reuters)
The facility is one of five remaining thermal power plants owned by DTEK, Ukraine's largest private electricity supplier, which has met a quarter of the country's electricity needs since the conflict with Russia broke out in February 2022.
DTEK did not disclose the current power output of the plant, but confirmed that the site undergoes major repairs throughout the year. The November attacks have made the repairs more intensive and urgent.
Hard winter
On November 28, Russia launched its second major attack this month on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing severe power outages across the country.
After two waves of attacks, the state of Ukraine's power grid could worsen at a sensitive time in the war, as Russian troops advance in the east and US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20.
Workers warm themselves while repairing a damaged thermal power plant. (Photo: Reuters)
Ukraine has been repairing some of the energy infrastructure destroyed in the spring and summer, trying to keep it running before winter sets in.
However, the attacks on November 17 and 28 significantly affected Ukraine’s power grid, raising the risk of extended blackouts and other problems during the harsh winter, when temperatures are currently around 0 degrees Celsius.
Industry sources say that despite the obstacles, Ukraine is able to cope with the challenges that lie ahead. Workers at the plant say they are determined to keep Ukraine supplied with electricity.
"The soldiers have a front in the east, and this is our front. Our task is to ensure that Ukraine has electricity," said Mr. Serhii.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/mot-ngay-cua-cong-nhan-dien-luc-ukraine-ar910432.html
Comment (0)