Former Minister Plachkov explained why the enemy is trying to strike energy facilities in western Ukraine.

The enemy is trying to damage distribution substations

The former Minister of Fuel and Energy of Ukraine, Chairman of the Council of the All-Ukrainian Energy Assembly Ivan Plachkov stated that the enemy, by attacking western Ukraine, is trying to damage the distribution substations that transmit electricity to central regions. He announced this on the air of Espresso.

"We receive 2.1 GW of electricity from Europe. This electricity crosses borders through power lines. There are supporting substations near which redistribution devices are located. Therefore, the enemy tries to destroy both the last generation in the west of our country and strike these distribution substations, so there is no possibility to transmit electricity from western Ukraine to the central regions of our country," explained the former Minister of Fuel and Energy of Ukraine.

According to him, in central regions of Ukraine, electricity is in a deficit state. Zmiiv TPP, Ladyzhyn TPP, Tripoli TPP, and Kyiv HPP - this type of generation is insufficient. Especially the capital and Kyiv region regarding electricity generation are also in deficit, so we receive electricity from western Ukraine.

"The enemy continues attempts to achieve a total blackout. The only effective factor of our defense is the air defense system, the strengthening of which we have observed recently. Our energy sector has suffered blows as a result of a recent massive attack, but not so strong as to stop the energy system," noted Ivan Plachkov.

As a reminder, on December 13th, the enemy launched another massive strike against Ukraine. According to preliminary data, the Russian Federation launched 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones. The leader of Ukraine again commented on calls from the West for negotiations with the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

It is worth mentioning that recovery work continues in Ukraine after the Russian strike. This was stated by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in his traditional evening address, where he urged Ukrainians to seek shelter during air alerts and not to ignore the danger. According to the President, this rule is independent of statements from Russia. Zelensky also noted that Russia uses 'calibers' with cluster munitions in Ukraine, which poses a particularly dangerous threat to civilians, complicating the work of rescuers and repair teams.