Most critical energy facilities now 85% protected from aerial strikes with 1st, 2nd levels of protection – PM
The majority of planned energy facilities, particularly those of NPC Ukrenergo, are now 85% protected by the first and second levels of protection against drones and missiles, reported Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
"Some 85% of the main facilities that need protection, primarily Ukrenergo's, are already protected. The government has allocated approximately UAH 19 billion, and the company itself has financed an additional UAH 13 billion using credit funds from partners. Additionally, all of our gas extraction and oil refining enterprises have implemented certain first and second-level protection measures, along with active air defense systems," Shmyhal said during a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday.
According to Shmyhal, the first level of protection consists of sandbag gabions, while the second level is "strong reinforced concrete structures capable of withstanding direct drone strikes and protecting against missile debris."
He also emphasized that energy infrastructure is generally covered by comprehensive air defense systems, with each facility additionally protected by mobile fire units and anti-aircraft cover. Each site is also shielded by electronic warfare systems, as "the Russians have learned to evade a single system," Shmyhal said.
When asked about the forecast for the upcoming cold season, the prime minister avoided giving specific predictions, stating that the government is focusing on the necessary preparations.
"No one today can predict whether we'll have 4 hours or 16 hours without power, or no outages at all. The Russians have their terrorist plans to destroy our energy infrastructure as part of their genocidal policies. We are preparing for this and know how to get through the winter. We will definitely make it through – united and prepared. But the exact conditions will only become clear as winter approaches, so making sensational claims today would be inappropriate," Shmyhal said.
