"6 Million Households Blackout"… EU Provides Emergency Power Equipment Support to Ukraine

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on the 25th (local time) that more than 6 million households continue to suffer power outages due to Russia's ongoing large-scale missile attacks.

In his regular address posted on social media that day, President Zelenskyy said, "As of this evening, power outages are continuing across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv."

He added that on the 23rd, indiscriminate Russian bombings destroyed power facilities, causing power outages in 12 million households, and recovery efforts have been difficult.

Although the number of affected households has been reduced to about half as power restoration work progresses, concerns are growing as many Ukrainians face the harsh cold winter without electricity, heating, or drinking water.

The European Union (EU) has decided to provide emergency support for equipment to help Ukraine operate heating and power networks during the winter.

Following a phone call with President Zelenskyy, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a statement saying that they are preparing to support electrical equipment, including a large single-phase transformer from Lithuania's stock and generators from the EU reserves in Romania.

Von der Leyen explained that the single-phase transformer is a key component for operating power plants and will help power small to medium-sized hospitals.

The EU also requested related companies in several countries to provide high-voltage electrical equipment essential for operating power grids and is cooperating with partners to ensure rapid delivery to Ukraine.