UK provides Ukrainian engineers with training to protect critical infrastructure from Russian attacks
Фото: Міноборони Британії
The UK has developed a training program for Ukrainian engineers to learn how to protect the energy sector from Russian attacks ahead of winter.
Damage and destruction by Russian missile and drone attacks represents one of the greatest threats to the lives and safety of Ukrainian civilians.
What is the problem?
On September 27, head of the state's energy supplier Volodymyr Kudrytskyi said that Ukrainian energy facilities would have three levels of protection. The construction of protective structures was planned to be completed by November, before the onset of cold weather.
On September 27, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal also noted that Ukraine was forming a multi-level protection of energy facilities.
As noted by the Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko, Russian troops could cause large-scale damage to the power system in Ukraine, so blackouts are possible.
Halushchenko added that power engineers are training in case of shelling and massive power outages. However, it is currently difficult to predict the level, scale and impact of the attacks on the power system.
What is the solution?
The British defense ministry has developed a training program for Ukrainian engineers ahead of the winter, which includes training on protecting the energy field from Russian attacks.
The two-week training was conducted by British Army engineers at the request of Ukraine.
How does it work?
British engineers have recruited specialized reservists who work in the UK critical national infrastructure sector.
Ukrainian engineers were taught to identify the most vulnerable elements of energy infrastructure, potential explosion distances, the impact of various weapons and explosives.
The engineers were also trained on where to place barriers to protect the facilities from Russian attacks.
On August 12, the Ministry of Energy reported that scheduled repairs at Ukraine's energy facilities were on schedule, but the worst situation with preparations for the new heating season was observed in the regions bordering Russia and in the frontline areas.
On September 13, the Prime Minister announced the final stage of preparing the energy system for the autumn-winter period.
