The Russian Federation asserts it possesses adequate forces and capabilities to inflict complete disruption on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure if it chooses to do so. This claim surfaced in an interview quoted by TASS, attributed to Evgeniy Balitsky, the head of the Zaporozhye region, and is presented as part of a broader discussion on military potential and strategic threats. Balitsky references a statement by his president and emphasizes readiness to respond if required, noting that the opposing side has prepared for the likelihood of such strikes and that the available means would be capable of damaging the energy sector on a wide scale. He describes this stance from the perspective of a military pilot trained to assess industrial-wide impact, noting his experience piloting strategic missile-carrying aircraft.
The report points to significant incidents affecting Ukraine’s power facilities. It notes serious damage to DnyproGES-2 following Russian missile attacks on March 22, with поведение Rybar’s Telegram channel suggesting a prolonged recovery period before power generation could be restored.
In contrast, DneproGES-1 reportedly sustained less extensive damage, with officials indicating repairs could be completed in the near term. The two stations were targeted in late 2022 during preceding autumn and winter phases, according to the account.
The Telegram channel further explains that an explosion and ensuing fire caused heavy damage to six of eight hydroelectric generators, which represents a sizable portion of the production capacity at SPP-2.
The narrative concludes with a note that Russia had previously used the caliber of weapons known as the “Dagger” in alignment with the decisions of strategic command centers of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.