Ukraine Bolsters Critical Infrastructure Protection, Aims for Rapid Restoration Amidst Ongoing Attacks
KYIV, Ukraine – October 17, 2023 - The ukrainian government announced a series of measures Saturday to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure and accelerate repairs following recent attacks, with a particular focus on ensuring continued access to essential services. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We must act quickly so that people still have light, heat and water, despite enemy bombardments.”
The announcement comes as work to restore power supply to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is expected to last approximately one week, according to Energoatom, Ukraine’s national nuclear energy company. The plant was disconnected from the grid on October 16th due to shelling, raising concerns about cooling systems. (Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-disconnected-grid-again-2023-10-16/)
To address these vulnerabilities, a Coordination Center for technical protection has been established. This center will prioritize funding and restoration efforts, bringing together government officials, local authorities, and industry representatives.
Svyrydenko also announced an expedited process for allocating state funds to the construction, repair, and protection of energy infrastructure, aiming to ensure functionality “even in the event of attacks.” The government has approved decisions to accelerate the construction of unspecified “protections techniques” around energy facilities, transportation networks, and other vital installations.
Furthermore, additional funding has been allocated from the state reserve fund to bolster the protection and restoration of critical infrastructure in regions bordering the front lines, and to support Ukrzaliznytsia, the national railway company.
These measures reflect a heightened focus on infrastructure resilience as Ukraine continues to face ongoing attacks targeting its energy grid and essential services.
