Ukraine's Energy Struggle: Zelensky States That Almost All Thermal and Hydroelectric Power Generation Capacity Has Been Lost

The Crisis Behind Zelensky's Statement:

During his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shed light on an unprecedented energy crisis facing Ukraine. Since March of this year, Russia has launched multiple large-scale coordinated attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. As a result, Ukraine has lost almost all of its thermal and hydroelectric power generation capacity. According to the Ukrainian newspaper "The Kyiv Independent," Russia conducted nine major coordinated strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure between March and August, affecting power facilities across all twenty of Ukraine's oblasts (regions). A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that Ukraine's power shortfall this winter could reach up to 6 gigawatts, approximately one-third of the expected peak demand. This summer, Kyiv experienced prolonged blackouts with a power gap of 2.5 gigawatts. Zelensky accused Russia of aiming to "torment millions of Ukrainians" during the winter, causing suffering to ordinary families, women, children, and common towns and villages, in an attempt to force Ukraine into submission. Data from the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy shows that from October 2022 to September 2024, Ukraine's energy infrastructure suffered a total of 1,024 attacks. In this energy crisis, the lives of the Ukrainian people have been significantly impacted. The lack of energy supply has led to widespread power outages, severely affecting basic needs such as heating and lighting. Factories and businesses have been forced to shut down, leading to serious disruptions in economic activities and a significant decline in the quality of life for ordinary citizens. Additionally, the energy crisis could lead to social unrest; once a large number of people are seriously affected, there is a risk of protests or even violent incidents arising.

The Government of Ukraine is Confronting Enormous Challenges: On one hand, it needs to strengthen diplomatic outreach to the West, seeking to secure more energy assistance; on the other hand, it must implement various emergency measures, such as rotating power outages and mobilizing the public to conserve electricity.

Although the prospects appear bleak, the people of Ukraine have not lost their courage. They are actively responding to this energy crisis through various means. Despite the difficulties, there is resilience among the Ukrainian populace as they adapt to the situation and work towards overcoming these challenges.

The Roots and Impacts of the Energy Crisis

• Conflict as the trigger

The outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has undoubtedly become the catalyst for Ukraine's energy crisis. Since the conflict began, Russia has continuously carried out destruction of Ukraine's energy facilities, dealing a devastating blow to Ukraine's energy supply system. The targets of Russian attacks have been clear, aimed at weakening Ukraine's economic strength and war potential. By striking energy facilities, not only civilian and military power supplies are cut off, but the productivity of Ukraine's industries and agriculture is also affected. For example, all the thermal power plants in the Kharkiv region were destroyed, causing local living and production conditions to become paralyzed. Most of Ukraine's energy facilities are outdated, making repairs extremely difficult, and the ongoing Russian strikes have made the restoration work even more challenging. Under such circumstances, Ukraine's energy crisis continues to worsen.

• Chain Reaction Evident

As an important transit country and exporter of energy in Europe, Ukraine's energy crisis has had a significant impact on energy supplies to European countries. Data from Eurostat shows that in 2022, the EU's imports from the United States increased by 53.5%, one major reason being the increase in energy trade and the surge in energy prices. French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly criticized the 'double standard' of U.S. energy prices, pointing out that the price of American liquefied natural gas sold to Europe is several times higher than in the U.S. market."

"Amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis, many European countries have had to seek new energy supply channels. Restarting coal-fired power plants, postponing the phase-out of nuclear energy, and increasing natural gas reserves have become important emergency measures. However, these measures have also brought about a series of issues, such as increased environmental pressure and disruption of energy transition plans."

• Profound Social Impact

The long-term lack of electricity and heating has imposed a heavy toll on the lives of Ukrainian citizens and the future reconstruction of the country. In terms of education, schools are unable to carry out normal teaching activities due to power outages, severely affecting students' learning. Medical infrastructure has also been paralyzed due to a lack of power; many medical devices depend on electricity, and prolonged power outages will severely impact hospitals' treatment capabilities. Critical procedures such as emergency care and surgeries will be affected, and medicine storage faces challenges, with some temperature-sensitive medications potentially deteriorating and becoming ineffective. Moreover, the food supply chain has suffered severe blows; insufficient power leads to processing and refrigeration equipment not functioning properly, putting large quantities of food at risk of spoilage. Transportation of agricultural products has also been obstructed, leading to inadequate supplies of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is expected that during the autumn and winter seasons, there will be a severe shortage of staple foods such as bread, dairy products, and meat, with prices soaring.

Ukraine's Response and International Role

• Active Actions by Ukraine

Zelenskyy has been actively calling for international assistance for Ukraine. He frequently speaks out in various forums, emphasizing the difficult situation Ukraine faces under the energy crisis, and requests urgent aid from Western countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, to help Ukraine get through this harsh winter. He stresses that every delay in implementing military aid programs has adverse effects on the front lines, while timely and swift provision of military assistance always yields positive results. The Ukrainian government has taken emergency measures such as rotating power cuts to ensure basic societal operations. At the same time, the government is accelerating the repair work on damaged power facilities to restore normal power supply as soon as possible. The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine calls on citizens to use electricity 'rationally and thriftily' during peak hours, and the public is actively participating in self-help. During power outages, flashlights have become temporary lighting tools, and neighbors are helping each other, working together to cope with this crisis.

• International Community's Response

The situation regarding aid to Ukraine from Western countries is complex. Countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom have announced new aid packages for Ukraine, including military and humanitarian assistance. For instance, the U.S. federal government announced an additional $375 million in military aid to Ukraine, which includes air-to-ground bombs and ammunition compatible with the HIMARS multiple rocket launch systems. The United Kingdom has pledged over £600 million in aid to Ukraine, aimed at providing emergency humanitarian assistance and supporting the recovery of the energy system. However, aid efforts also face difficulties and challenges. On one hand, as the shadow of economic recession spreads across Europe, countries are grappling with their own economic hardships, making it difficult to sustain large-scale aid to Ukraine. Germany's large industrial sector, particularly dependent on cheap Russian natural gas, has been severely hit by the energy crisis, with its GDP already declining by 0.3%. Italy, France, and Poland are also expected to see significant budget deficits as a proportion of their GDP. On the other hand, U.S. aid to Ukraine also comes with uncertainties. As the U.S. presidential election approaches, the situation becomes more complicated. Whether Biden will continue to run, the assassination of Trump, and whether Harris might suddenly join the race, all add uncertain factors to the U.S.'s aid commitments to Ukraine. Furthermore, international aid seems like a drop in the bucket compared to the nationwide energy crisis facing Ukraine.

It is estimated that Ukraine currently needs at least 10,000 high-power generators to barely get through this winter, but the current aid falls far short of meeting this demand. Moreover, even if generators are available, the question of where to get fuel remains a significant issue. Ukraine's own refineries have been bombed and are in disarray, and importing fuel is prohibitively expensive.

Looking to the Future

Ukraine is currently facing a massive energy crisis, but the Ukrainian people have shown a strong will and spirit of unity in adversity. They are groping their way forward in the darkness, striving to find ways to overcome their difficulties. At this challenging time, support from the international community is crucial. Countries should set aside their differences and jointly lend a helping hand, providing necessary energy aid, financial support, and technical assistance to Ukraine. Only through the concerted efforts of the international community can we help Ukraine quickly restore its energy supply and rebuild its national infrastructure. The future of Ukraine is full of challenges, but it is not without hope. Ukraine possesses abundant natural resources and human capital. With sufficient support and time, the Ukrainian people can certainly rebuild their homeland. At the same time, the international community should learn from this crisis, placing greater emphasis on energy security, promoting global energy cooperation, and working together to maintain stability in the geopolitical landscape. We believe that with the efforts of the Ukrainian people and the support of the international community, Ukraine will be able to get through this harsh winter and welcome the dawn of rebuilding their home. Let us all work together for the future of Ukraine and contribute our share to world peace and stability.