Even in darkness, Ukraine is enlightened, aligned with US values

When Republican vice presidential hopeful JD Vance remarked, “I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other,” it struck a raw nerve. Russia has relentlessly pummeled Ukraine’s electricity grid, causing rolling blackouts as temperatures soar.

The pain is only intensifying — a constant wave of attacks and repairs, diminishing the morale of the Ukrainian people and electricity workers. Russia has deployed the same strategy in Chechnya, Georgia and Syria. The critical question is who has the will: Ukraine and its allies in the West, or Russia, where sanctions severely affect the economy.

“Ukrainians are getting prepared for constant power outages, in the worst-case scenario lasting up to 20 hours,” said Julia Mendel, a former press secretary to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Despite our efforts to find a better solution, Russia persists in targeting the energy sector. It will inevitably impact the labor market in Ukraine.” The lights are now out eight to 12 hours daily.

Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, has lost nearly 90% of its generating capacity. It supplies 20% of Ukraine’s electricity, and its power stations are critical in providing electricity at peak hours. The cost? Kyiv’s School of Economics estimates $50 billion in damages — roughly the amount of money that went into President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better.

USAID says it is working with Europeans to give humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians. Before the invasion, the government agency started providing energy security, countering disinformation and preventing cyberattacks. In 2015 and 2016, Russia attacked the Ukrainian power grid through a series of internet intrusions that wreaked havoc.

However, today the assaults are with bombs and a military arsenal. Recall that in the United States in 2013, masked shooters fired off more than 100 rounds that damaged 17 transformers at San Francisco-based Pacific Gas & Electric. It showed that a targeted act of violence could disrupt American life. It took a month to repair the damages. What if the entire network was under attack — like in Ukraine?

Ukraine aims to use mobile generators and battery storage to harden the grid and provide short-term power. After that, engineers must design local microgrids to serve neighborhoods or businesses.

Over time, the country will link its network to Europe’s high-voltage transmission system. An interconnected system allows electricity to move freely from one region to another. The country must sever ties with Russia and find more reliable energy partners who don’t bully their neighbors. However, the more interconnected the grid, the more susceptible it is to cyber intrusions.

“With each attack, Russia proves again that it has no honor or decency. The energy these power stations produce allows millions of Ukrainians to live with dignity,” said Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK. “We will not stop working to restore power at our facilities as long as Russia continues these terrorist attacks.”

Ukraine, though, has gone on the offensive. In recent months, it has attacked Russia’s oil and gas infrastructure. Russia said it knocks down most of those drone attacks, but occasionally, one hits its mark. Ukraine is unafraid to take its fight to the Black Sea, forcing Russia to reposition its ships and rethink its naval strategy.

Meantime, cross-border raids on both sides continue. It’s a game of wits and tenacity, which creates more death and destruction than genuine and justifiable battle victories. The truth is that life goes on as usual in Russia while everyday Ukrainian citizens — especially older people — are suffering.

“The Russians destroyed many cities, leaving people with no electricity or water,” Viktoria Vorobiova said on Instagram. “It’s getting harder for people to survive.”

Russia’s goal is conquest — to satisfy President Vladimir Putin’s desire to resurrect part of the Soviet Union. The Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom and the right to choose their elected representatives. The United States and Ukraine have shared values. We should care deeply about what happens there — and support U.S. politicians who uphold those values.

Ken Silverstein has covered energy and the environment for years. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.