Russian drone cuts down unique energy line tower over Dnipro River in Kyiv. It can’t be rebuilt, and world is queuing for more power equipment
Ukraine’s grid operator Ukrenergo is already starting work on workarounds, but calls drones that cut down towers a new challenge.
A Russian drone successfully severed a unique power transmission tower over the Dnipro River in Kyiv, rendering it irreparable, according to Ukrenergo board chairman Vitaly Zaichenko. The grid operator is racing against time to develop alternative methods to maintain electricity supply amid the ongoing conflict. Russia has been employing a new tactic in its efforts to cut off Ukraine's power by using drones to slice through high-voltage lines.
This development poses a significant challenge for Ukraine's power engineers, as spare parts are scarce worldwide due to the expanding global energy system. Ukrenergo is currently working on developing new technical solutions, starting from October 15, to address this issue. The company is facing difficulties in acquiring backup equipment due to the global shortage, with everyone vying for the same hardware.
Ukraine has been grappling with this challenge since Russia started launching jet-powered drones in August 2022. While Kyiv relies on air defenses, including automated turrets and interceptor drones, the city currently lacks an effective solution against these drones. In response, Kyiv has enlisted over 100 private air defense system brigades to protect its enterprises, working in conjunction with the Ukrainian Air Forces.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
