The Hardest Winter: Ukraine Prepares for Attacks on Nuclear Power Plants, - Politico.

Ukraine is preparing for attacks on nuclear power plants and a critical winter. This is reported by Politico.

The country has lost about 50% of its generating capacity due to infrastructure damage. Restoration, protection, and modernization of the energy system are the main tasks before the cold. Ukraine currently has no protection against missile attacks. There is almost no Time to correct this situation.

Experts predict energy rationing and power outages for 20 hours a day. Ukraine is reaching out to international partners for help. The population may consist of people who will be without power for most of the day.

"I am very worried. The situation is really critical, and I hope that international partners... will provide us with help as soon as possible,” said Viktoriya Hryb, a Ukrainian lawmaker who heads the parliamentary subcommittee on energy security.

Ukraine's allies also share these assessments. Serious attacks on nuclear plants could lead to a humanitarian crisis and refugees from Ukraine heading to Europe.

Russia may soon attack Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure. President Zelensky warned of a "nuclear disaster".

Fuel Problem

Ukraine also has a problem with depleting fuel reserves. Gas supply may be insufficient for the country's needs. Even hospitals are equipped with solar panels, but that may not be enough this winter.

The situation worsened due to the lack of Western traders who do not want to inject gas into storage because of constant Russian attacks and low margins.

Insufficient Protection of Nuclear Plants

There is a risk of attacks on Ukrainian nuclear power plants. This could lead to their destruction and the shutdown of even more electricity in the country.

Ukraine has already reached out to the European Union for help. The energy community aims to restore 3 gigawatts of electricity by winter, but this may take up to a year due to the difficulties in finding spare parts and the slow process of installing them.