Maxim Timchenko says people should leave if they can to help Ukraine save power
KYIV, Nov 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) —The head of Ukraine’s biggest private energy firm says people should consider leaving the country to reduce demand on the country’s power network.
“If they can find an alternative place to stay for another three or four months, it will be very helpful to the system,” DTEK chief executive Maxim Timchenko said.
Russian regular waves of missile attacks have damaged almost half of Ukraine’s energy system resulting in millions of people without power as temperatures drop for winter.
Earlier this week, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested that the strikes were a “consequence” of Ukraine’s refusal to negotiate with Russia.
Timchenko, whose company supplies more than a quarter of Ukraine’s power, says the system becomes less reliable with each Russian attack, and reducing electricity consumption is the key to keeping it running.
The government has urged people to limit their use of domestic appliances such as ovens and washing machines.
But the damaged energy system is still unable to produce enough electricity to meet current needs, so any way of reducing usage – including leaving the country – should be seen as helping Ukraine to win the war against Russia, Timchenko explained.
“If you consume less, then hospitals with injured soldiers will have guaranteed power supply. This is how it can be explained that by consuming less or leaving, they also contribute to other people.”
Until now, blackouts have generally been limited to a few hours, but more Russian attacks could lead to longer periods without power. Fixing the damaged infrastructure is also becoming more difficult.
“Unfortunately we have run out of equipment and spare parts… That’s why we appeal to our partners, government officials, companies and equipment producers to help us with the immediate supply of available equipment,” Timchenko said.
Despite the difficulties though, Ukrainian engineers continue to work in some of the most dangerous parts of the country, risking their lives to reconnect towns and cities to the grid.
Early on Saturday, the Ukrainian defence ministry announced that the railway station in recaptured Kherson city was the first building in the city to have electricity. — NNN-AGENCIES
