**Warm Weather and Ukraine’s Adaptability Prevent Energy System Collapse**
Ukraine has managed to avoid a major energy crisis this winter, despite Russia’s attacks on the country’s power grid. The warm weather and Ukraine’s ability to adapt to three years of Russian campaigns have helped prevent the worst-case scenario.
**A Toughest Winter Yet**
Last year, Ukrainians were bracing for a brutal winter with electricity blackouts and heating cuts. Greenpeace warned that Ukraine’s power grid faced a “heightened risk of catastrophic failure.” But thanks to warm weather and Ukraine’s ability to repair damage quickly, the worst has not come to pass.
**The Role of Climate Change**
Climate change has become an unexpected ally for Ukraine in resisting Russia’s tactic of freezing Ukrainians into submission. This winter, temperatures have hovered around or above zero degrees Celsius, making it easier for Ukraine to manage its energy system.
**Ukraine’s Energy System Resilience**
Ukraine’s energy system has learned to adapt to Russian attacks over the past three years. The country has improved coordination with air defense and built fortifications to protect power infrastructure. Experience has also helped Ukraine restore damaged facilities quickly.
**Warm Weather Contributes to Quick Repairs**
The warm weather this winter has contributed to the speed of repairs, allowing Ukrenergo’s repair teams to set an absolute record by replacing an autotransformer within three weeks.
**Ukraine Needs to Secure Energy Supply for Any Weather**
While Ukraine has managed to avoid a major energy crisis this winter, it still needs to secure its energy supply for any weather. The country needs to build 4-4.5 GW of additional peaking power plants to operate efficiently and confidently.
**Russia’s Attacks on Energy Sector**
Russia has launched six massive attacks over two and a half months of this winter season, causing “much greater damage and destruction than in previous years.” However, Ukraine’s improved coordination with air defense and quick repairs have helped minimize the impact of these attacks.
