Russia will try to target Ukraine's water system – Ukrainian energy minister

Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal has warned that, in addition to targeting Ukraine's power grid and heating infrastructure, Russia is now seeking to leave Ukrainian cities without water supplies.

Source: Shmyhal in an interview with Politico

Quote: "Russia's goal now is to destroy our water supplies. Last winter they targeted electricity and heating, but you could still survive if you had gas and water during electricity shutdowns.

It is difficult to survive for more than three days without water and sewage."

Details: Shmyhal also said Russia is attempting to wear down Ukrainian society in the hope that public pressure will force the country's leadership to agree to capitulation.

Shmyhal recalled that following Russia's attacks last winter, Ukraine's electricity generation capacity fell to around 12 GW – about 6 GW below consumer demand.

Before 2014, Ukraine's installed generating capacity stood at 54.5 GW, but by the start of Russia's full-scale invasion it had fallen to 32 GW.

"Russians have destroyed or damaged more than 80 percent of Ukraine's power generation," the minister added.

Shmyhal also said that to get through the coming winter, Ukraine needs not only interceptor missiles for its air defence systems but also around €500 million for the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.

A further €400 million is needed by Naftogaz, a Ukrainian state-run oil and gas company, to help the company recover from Russian strikes, which it faces almost daily. He said Ukraine hopes to secure Canada's support for this funding.

Background: Ukrainian energy officials are preparing for peak electricity demand in August, with temporary power restrictions for industry and businesses remaining a possibility.

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