DTEK CEO asks Ukrainians to go abroad for the winter if possible

CEO of Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK Maksym Tymchenko urges Ukrainians to consider the option of going abroad for the winter, this will reduce electricity consumption in the country as well as the load on the damaged energy infrastructure.

Source. Maksym Tymchenko in the interview with the BBC.

Details. “If it is possible to find an alternative place of residence for another three to four months, it will greatly help the energy system,” DTEK CEO says.

russian attacks have damaged almost half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Millions of people remain without electricity on the eve of winter.

Blackouts – both planned and emergency – have become commonplace in many parts of Ukraine as russia regularly launches missile strikes against the energy sector.

Earlier this week, the kremlin admitted that such attacks were aimed at persuading the Ukrainian authorities to negotiate. This position was expressed by kremlin spokesman Dmitriy Peskov, according to russian media.

Maksym Tymchenko, whose company supplies more than a quarter of Ukraine's electricity, says that with each russian attack the system becomes less reliable, and reducing consumption is key to its functioning.

The government has urged people to limit the use of household appliances, such as ovens and washing machines.

But the damaged energy system still cannot produce enough energy to meet current needs.

Mr. Tymchenko explains that helping Ukraine's energy system is also a contribution to victory.

Reducing electricity consumption will ensure that hospitals that are saving the lives of our injured soldiers have light.

“If we consume less, hospitals with wounded soldiers will have guaranteed electricity supply. Therefore, saving or leaving will help other people,” he assures.

So far, blackouts have usually been limited to a few hours, but further russian attacks could lead to longer blackouts. In addition, restoration of damaged infrastructure is becoming more difficult.

“Unfortunately, we have run out of equipment and spare parts... Therefore, we appeal to our partners, government officials, companies and manufacturers to help us with the urgent supply of equipment,” Mr. Timchenko says.

russia's historical ties with Ukraine, particularly in the development of its energy system, are also a problem.

The russian military is advised by its power engineers, explaining how to cause maximum damage to the energy system, Maksym Tymchenko believes.

“They used to be our colleagues, but now they are our enemies. They share everything they know with the russian servicemen, teach them, and set specific goals. They know large parts of our electricity network and power plants.”