Ukraine's biggest private energy provider is living in permanent crisis mode because of Russian attacks on the grid, its chief executive has told the BBC.
Most of Ukraine is suffering from lengthy power cuts as temperatures drop, and Maxim Timchenko, whose company DTEK provides power for 5.6 million Ukrainians, says the intensity of strikes has been so frequent that we just don't have time to recover.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia is aware that the winter cold could become one of its most dangerous weapons. Every night Ukrainian parents hold their children in basements and shelters hoping our air defence will hold, he emphasized to the Dutch parliament.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion approaches, Timchenko mentioned that his company faces relentless targeting from waves of drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles. The southern city of Odesa has recently experienced three days without electricity due to coordinated Russian strikes.
For many Ukrainians, life has become increasingly difficult, yet the community remains supportive of one another. Yana, a resident fortunate enough to still have power, has opened her home to friends needing to charge their devices. Power cuts not only disrupt electricity but also heating and water supplies, prompting those with power to offer strangers facilities to wash.
Electricity across Ukraine is being rationed, with supplies available for only a few hours each day. Many residents rely on power banks and generators, with the sounds of generators now more persistent than air raid warnings.
About 50% of Ukraine’s energy currently comes from three large nuclear power plants, but the network that transfers this power has suffered significant damage. DTEK operates several thermal power stations, all of which have been targeted in recent missile strikes.
Finding spare parts for repairs poses a massive challenge. Previously, equipment was available within Ukraine, but now the company must source parts from the rest of Europe, having already spent $166 million on repairs this year.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Timchenko remains steadfast, stating, We will not give up. We have a responsibility to millions of mothers to have power and heat. However, he mourned the loss of eight of DTEK's engineers, who have died in the line of duty while working to maintain power during the ongoing conflict.
