Witalyj Zaijtschenko, the head of Ukraine’s largest power grid operator, has advised Germany to establish no-fly zones over electrical substations. Additionally, the experienced engineer proposed that the European Union create a widespread emergency stockpile of essential equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, and voltage and current converters. He suggests that robust preparedness across European grid operators would enable them to handle serious crises, whether they stem from possible hybrid attacks or environmental catastrophes, noting that even a small surplus would make a significant difference.
Currently, the Ukrainian corporation Ukrenergo is protecting its power transformers with protective shields against Russian drones. Zaijtschenko stated that the goal is to secure 90 percent of its transformers before the coming winter. While acknowledging that such protective measures are unnecessary in Germany during peacetime, he strongly urged the country to consider implementing no-fly zones over substations and deploying electronic jamming devices designed to counter drones.
For the Ukrainian power system, the primary challenges remain securing financing and meeting the tight timeline before the next winter season. Zaijtschenko specified that Ukrenergo requires 130 million euros to manage these preparations by the coming winter.
