Ukraine to seek court-ordered compensation from Russia for energy sector losses – energy minister

Ukrainian energy experts continue to verify the damage caused to the energy sector by the last massive Russian attack on March 22.

The Minister of Energy of Ukraine, Herman Halushchenko, announced that at a media briefing.

"It was the largest attack during the entire period of great aggression. We still do not completely understand the extent to which the objects were destroyed. There are large piles; now they are being dismantled; there is no access to the equipment to check the condition everywhere. Regarding the amounts of damages, the real figures will be clear after the damages are verified. But I think it's definitely about billions. Of course, we will demand all these sums from the aggressor in the relevant lawsuits," the minister said.

Herman Halushchenko specified that to stabilize the energy system situation, the issue of suspending the export of electricity is currently not being considered: "I do not see today that this will somehow dramatically solve our situation. Right now, we haven't made any decisions about tariffs, imposing special obligations, or an export ban. Our main focus is on assessing the impact of the attacks. Once we have that information, we will determine the necessary numbers and the timeline for restoration and use that to make decisions about those issues."

At the same time, the head of the Ministry of Energy noted that Ukraine has the opportunity to import electricity from European countries. Currently, the possibility of importing up to 1.7 GW is foreseen, while Ukraine is applying to ENTSO-E to increase the relevant volumes.

"We need more because today it's a matter of survival. At least 2.5 GW would be what we need," said the Minister.

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Early in the morning on Friday, March 22, Russian military aircraft, including Tu–95MS strategic bombers, were deployed and launched Kh–-101/555/55 cruise missiles. Shortly after, explosions were heard in several cities in Ukraine. The Ukrainian air defense system was activated; however, there were a few strikes.

Critical infrastructure objects have been hit in several cities, and there are victims.

According to reports, Russian soldiers fired ballistic weapons at Kharkiv, resulting in approximately 15 explosions being heard throughout the city. The attack aimed explicitly at vital infrastructure, causing power outages in certain areas and disrupting the water supply due to the shutting down of pumping stations.

Also, during the mass attack of the Russian Federation, 12 explosions were heard in Zaporizhzhia on March 22. There were injured, seven houses were destroyed, and dozens were damaged.

In particular, the Russians hit the Dnipro HPP. There is a blackout threat at the Zaporizhzhia NPP; the line to the ZNPP has been de-energized.

In total, on the night of March 22, the enemy launched more than 150 drones and missiles of various types over Ukraine. Air defense forces shot down 55 Shahed UAVs and 37 missiles.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine's energy system suffered one of the largest air attacks in two years. As a result of the Russian shelling, about 20 substations and power plants, including the Dnipro HPP, were hit.

With a massive attack on the energy sector, the enemy wanted to achieve a complete blackout of Ukraine, emphasized the Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko.