Ukraine's biggest private energy provider is living in permanent crisis mode because of Russian attacks on the grid, its chief executive has told the BBC.
Most of Ukraine is suffering from lengthy power cuts as temperatures drop, and Maxim Timchenko, whose company DTEK provides power for 5.6 million Ukrainians, says the intensity of strikes has been so frequent 'we just don't have time to recover'.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Russia knew the winter cold could become one of its most dangerous weapons.
Every night, Ukrainian parents hold their children in basements and shelters hoping their air defence will hold, he told the Dutch parliament.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion approaches, Maxim Timchenko says Russia has repeatedly targeted DTEK's energy grid with 'waves of drones, cruise and ballistic missiles,' creating significant difficulties for the company.
Tens of thousands of people in the southern city of Odesa have been without electricity for three days this week, following a coordinated Russian attack.
'Life has been difficult, but people are very supportive of each other,' says Yana, a resident who is among those still lucky enough to have power. She has invited friends to her home to charge their phones.
Power outages have disrupted not only electricity but also heat and water supplies, leading to a community spirit where those still connected to the grid offer strangers the chance to wash or take a shower.
A large portion of Ukraine's energy comes from three major nuclear power plants which remain intact but are limited by a severely damaged transmission network. DTEK operates several power stations, primarily coal-fueled, but some have been heavily targeted, leading to constant repairs and unexpected shutdowns.
Maxim Timchenko emphasized, 'We will not give up. We have a responsibility to millions of mothers to provide power and heat.' Despite the challenges and risks, including the loss of eight of his engineers, he remains committed to maintaining energy supplies in Eastern Ukraine where the fighting is most intense.
