Ukrainian officials are finalizing comprehensive plans to repair and enhance the protection of the country’s energy infrastructure, which will soon be submitted for approval to the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently held a significant meeting with government officials, energy sector representatives, and military leaders responsible for updating Ukraine’s energy systems. He emphasized that detailed regional plans have been developed to restore and upgrade the security of energy facilities, taking into account the winter attacks from Russia and potential future threats.
“I have instructed to refine certain aspects and prepare the plans for approval at the level of the National Security and Defense Council, outlining what needs to be done, what must be ensured, and who will be responsible for these tasks,”
Zelensky stated. He expressed his expectation for maximum involvement of regional and local authorities, stressing the importance of leveraging successful experiences from areas that faced significant challenges this past winter.
According to Zelensky, local governments can significantly contribute to community resilience by identifying which facilities require immediate modernization and protection.
In related developments, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denis Shmyhal previously reported that passive Level Two protection has been installed at most Ukrainian substations. He noted that concrete sarcophagi have proven effective, withstanding numerous attacks; some facilities have managed to preserve their equipment even after more than 20 drone strikes and missile assaults.
The government has highlighted the economic advantages of this protective strategy, pointing out that constructing a single concrete sarcophagus costs less than $3 million, which is considerably lower than the price of a single missile for the Patriot air defense system.
Ukraine is moving forward with plans to enhance its energy infrastructure's security and resilience in light of ongoing threats. President Zelensky emphasizes the need for local government involvement in identifying vulnerable facilities, while the government showcases the cost-effectiveness of protective measures already in place.