As Ukraine faces a harsh winter amid ongoing Russian attacks, heated debate has erupted over the preparedness of its nuclear facilities, which provide 60% of the nation’s electricity. Critics accuse Ukraine’s state-owned atomic energy firm, Energoatom, and Energy Minister German Galushchenko of failing to adequately protect critical infrastructure, leaving the country on the brink of widespread blackouts.
Delays in Securing Nuclear Plants Spark Outrage
Despite warnings from intelligence services about potential Russian strikes on nuclear facilities, Energoatom delayed implementing protective measures. Experts and lawmakers argue the company neglected government orders issued in March 2023 to fortify key infrastructure. Instead, the company prioritized projects like nuclear plant expansion and train track repairs.
Oleksandr Kharchenko, head of the Energy Industry Research Center, criticized the six-month delay in securing infrastructure. “There was no reason for that delay,” he said. “The plants remain vulnerable this winter.”
Energoatom and Galushchenko Defend Actions
Energoatom maintains that protective measures have been implemented, with Galushchenko asserting that “what is needed” to safeguard infrastructure is already in place. However, procurement records show significant delays, and lawmakers are questioning why critical protective structures remain incomplete.
Nuclear Expansion Plan Draws Criticism
Energoatom’s push to expand the Khmelnytskyi nuclear plant during wartime has also drawn scrutiny. The €10 billion project, expected to take over eight years to complete, offers no immediate solutions to Ukraine’s energy crisis.
Lawmaker Anastasiya Radina called the expansion “ridiculous” and backed a parliamentary inquiry into Energoatom’s actions. “What were you doing this whole time?” she questioned.
Galushchenko Under Fire Amid Corruption Allegations
Galushchenko, a former vice president at Energoatom, has faced accusations of having unofficial ties to the company. Critics claim the minister failed to pressure Energoatom to prioritize protective measures. Galushchenko denies these allegations, labeling them as a smear campaign.
Lawmakers have launched efforts to remove Galushchenko, citing systemic corruption and failure to protect energy infrastructure. While these efforts face an uphill battle, calls for accountability continue to grow.
Ukraine’s Energy Crisis: A High-Stakes Winter
With Russian attacks targeting infrastructure near nuclear plants, experts warn that outages could last up to 20 hours, plunging millions into darkness during freezing temperatures. The International Atomic Energy Agency has increased patrols at Ukraine’s nuclear sites, but the risk of a catastrophic incident looms large.
As winter deepens and the energy crisis escalates, the stakes are higher than ever for Ukraine’s leadership to address vulnerabilities and safeguard its nuclear infrastructure.
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