Russian strikes continue to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure, with DTEK Energo’s energy facility left completely disconnected from the national power grid on Thursday.
DTEK Energo, the largest private investor in Ukraine’s energy industry, confirmed that strikes caused major damage to its infrastructure this week and that investigations are ongoing. No casualties were reported.
In an update shared on Telegram, DTEK confirmed that the disconnection was caused by “another massive shelling” on its facility – one of several that have occurred in recent weeks.
“As a result of the shelling, the equipment was seriously damaged. Now the company is completely disconnected from the power system. The shutdown led to heat supply restrictions in the region,” Thursday’s update from DTEK explained.
“After the end of the shelling, the energy sector promptly began to eliminate the consequences,” the statement continued, adding that 19 “terrorist attacks” by Russian forces have been endured by DTEK energy facilities between September and December.
The strikes have killed three people and injured 24 engineers.
Allies Pledge Huge Donation to Aid Ukraine Amid Energy Infrastructure Attacks
Earlier this week, 70 countries and private institutions pledged more than 1 billion euros – roughly $1.05 billion – to help Ukraine survive a harsh winter while enduring constant attacks on energy infrastructure across the country.
The money is intended to help Ukrainian civilians access essential food, water, transport, and health services. It will also assist with efforts to keep people warm in regions where power has been cut off or where rolling blackouts have become necessary.
The donations were pledged at a meeting hosted by the French government designed to address Ukraine’s struggling energy infrastructure and the very real risk of food and water shortages during the winter.
According to French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, some 415 million euros have been pledged specifically to assist the Ukrainian energy sector, while the rest of the funds will go towards the transport sector and helping Ukrainian civilians survive the winter.
Some 500 million euros are also yet to be allocated.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shymhal told journalists during a visit to Paris that the donations were a “powerful signal” that shows the “civilized world is supporting Ukraine.”
“We are grateful to the countries that remain by our side when we are suffering the aggression by Russia on our territory and our civilian infrastructure.”
The donations also come the same week that the European Union announced an 18 billion euro loan for Ukraine designed to provide short-term financial relief.
Jack Buckby is 19FortyFive’s Breaking News Editor.
