Russia Aims to Leave Ukraine in Darkness Before New Year – PM Shmyhal

Ukraine needs to prepare for new Russian attacks, given that Russia intends to put Ukraine in a total blackout before the New Year, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said during a Dec. 20 Cabinet meeting.

"Russian terrorists will do everything to leave Ukrainians without electricity until the New Year," Shmyhal said. "It is important for them that Christmas and New Year in Ukraine pass in darkness. Therefore, we must prepare for new attacks."

The Prime Minister noted that since the power system suffers attacks almost every day, it is simply impossible to give any forecasts on the restoration of a stable power supply, so the local authorities should prepare people for the new challenges.

"We tell people the truth that the situation is complicated; that there may be only a few hours of light a day; that the situation in the power system may either improve or deteriorate depending on the intensity and scale of new Russian attacks," Shmyhal said.

According to the Prime Minister, the people will have access to heat, communication, water, and electricity. The government is going to triple the number of Points of Invincibility to 15,000. Their main purpose is to become an island of safety, stability, warmth, and unity in the event of an emergency power outage for more than 24 hours.

Currently, more than 5,000 Points of Invincibility are already operating in Ukraine.

On Dec. 20, emergency power cuts were introduced in 11 regions of Ukraine. The electricity shortage has been caused by recent Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

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