Zelenskyy reveals likely cause of grid breakdown, reports no evidence of outside meddling

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the causes of today's major power grid breakdown are still under investigation. So far, there is no evidence of external interference or a cyberattack. The incident was most likely caused by ice on power lines.

Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address

Quote: "This morning, the power grid experienced a breakdown when two lines connecting Romania and Moldova and within Ukraine stopped operating.

The causes are under detailed investigation. So far, there is no evidence of external interference or a cyberattack. It appears more likely that the lines froze due to bad weather, triggering automatic shutdowns."

Details: Zelenskyy said the breakdown had its strongest impact on Kyiv, the centre of Ukraine and Vinnytsia, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts.

"Over the course of the day, we largely restored conditions to those that existed before the failure. We are now working to stabilise and restore services to the people," he said.

The situation is most difficult in Kyiv, Zelenskyy noted.

"There is a significant heating shortage, with nearly 3,500 buildings across various districts currently without heat. City authorities, utility services and energy workers have pledged to restore heating as quickly as possible by tomorrow morning, although the pace must accelerate. As regards Kyiv's water supply, it should be available to all consumers today. Reports indicate that it is, but we are monitoring the situation closely," he added.

Previously: On the evening of Saturday 31 January, Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, reported that the electricity supply had been restored in all Ukrainian oblasts following a power grid breakdown in the morning.

"Claims of a cyberattack or external interference have not been confirmed. Early reports indicate it was caused by ice on lines and equipment," Shmyhal said.

Background:

• A major breakdown in Ukraine's power system on 31 January caused electricity to be cut off across large parts of the country.
• Energy companies have managed to stabilise the situation in Kyiv Oblast, but emergency power cuts are still ongoing in the city of Kyiv.
• Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that 3,419 high-rise buildings were still without heating, mainly on the right bank of the capital.

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