The sight of a destroyed power transformer displayed in Kyiv’s Podil district is a stark reminder of the brutal strategy employed by Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. This transformer, named Orest, once operated at a DTEK thermal power plant far from Kyiv, transmitting electricity to power homes and provide heat to local communities. Today, Orest stands as a burnt-out relic—a testament to the deliberate and systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The Role of Transformers and the Scale of Destruction
Transformers are essential for transmitting electricity over long distances. Without them, the electricity generated at power plants cannot reach homes, businesses, and critical facilities. Since the full-scale invasion began, these crucial components have been targeted relentlessly. As of October 2022, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure had endured more than 1,000 Russian attacks. During the 2022/2023 winter season alone, over 1,500 missiles and drones were launched at energy facilities, causing widespread damage and plunging millions of families into darkness.
The destruction is staggering:
All of DTEK’s thermal power stations have been attacked.
76 employees of DTEK were injured, and 4 were killed while working to restore power.
13 million families faced power outages on November 23, 2022, after a wave of strikes.
Despite the devastation, Ukraine’s power engineers have shown remarkable resilience. They have restored electricity to 13.8 million families and rebuilt over 10,000 kilometers of power lines in Kyiv region alone. The distance covered by these repairs is equivalent to the journey from Kyiv to Bogotá.
A Symbol of Resistance
The destroyed transformer, Orest, is not just a piece of machinery. It symbolizes the Ukrainian energy system’s resilience and the tireless efforts of power engineers. These engineers work around the clock, often risking their lives to repair damage and restore electricity. They labor under constant threat, as many facilities they rebuild are repeatedly destroyed in subsequent attacks.
DTEK, a key player in Ukraine’s energy sector, has invested UAH 3.8 billion in 2024 alone to restore its damaged thermal power plants. The fight to keep the lights on is not merely a technical challenge; it is a battle for survival, hope, and dignity.
Why Target Energy Infrastructure?
Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are designed to inflict maximum suffering on civilians, undermine morale, and disrupt daily life. By targeting power plants, transformers, and power lines, the aggressor aims to create a humanitarian crisis, especially during Ukraine’s harsh winters. These attacks also attempt to destabilize Ukraine’s economy and weaken its ability to sustain the war effort.
The Human Cost
The human cost of these attacks is immeasurable. Engineers working under perilous conditions have paid a heavy price. Their courage and dedication ensure that electricity continues to flow, even in the face of relentless aggression. Each transformer repaired, each power line restored, is a victory against those who seek to plunge Ukraine into darkness.
Conclusion: The Fight for Light
The phrase “Fight for Light” encapsulates Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to maintain its energy systems amidst war. Every act of restoration is a defiant stand against attempts to break the nation’s spirit. The destroyed transformer in Kyiv serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by power engineers and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
As the war continues, the global community must remember the stories behind these statistics and symbols. By sharing these stories, using hashtags like #FightForLight, and supporting Ukraine’s efforts, we can help shine a light on the courage and determination that define this fight.
Together, we can ensure that the light of Ukraine’s resilience never dims.