Russian strikes on Ukraine's grid fail to dim resistance - US diplomat

While waves of Russian strikes against Ukraine's electricity grid have not dampened its determination to resist Moscow and continue to support the country, Washington and its allies must do more to keep the power on, a top US diplomat said on Monday (19 December).

Three days after returning from talks with Kyiv, Assistant Secretary of State Geoff said: "I believe this strategic bombing campaign...clearly failed in its effort to break the will of the Ukrainian population."

Pyatt's remarks came just hours after Russia launched drones at the Ukrainian capital's electrical infrastructure. This is the latest strike in a string of strikes that has left millions without electricity as temperatures drop below freezing.

According to the United Nations, the attacks began in October after Russia suffered a series of battlefield losses following its February invasion.

Washington and its allies have committed tens of million dollars to replace and repair targeted equipment, while providing air defense systems that have helped Ukraine defend critical infrastructure against Russian missiles.

Pyatt, who was a US ambassador to Ukraine and co-ordinates support for the country's electrical infrastructure, stated that Ukrainians have demonstrated "extraordinary adaptability" through cannibalizing power equipment and protecting transmission stations with earth-filled barriers.

He said that the first two tranches of equipment purchased from a $53million U.S. energy assistance package arrived in Ukraine last Wednesday, while some have already been deployed.

Pyatt said: "Clearly, we need to do even more," noting that US President Joe Biden had asked Congress to approve $1.1m to support energy sectors in Ukraine, and neighbouring Moldova. This is a bid to end its dependence on Russian natural gases.

He stated that Ukraine's greatest need is equipment to maintain its power grid, including transformers capable of handling "super high voltage" current.

These transformers are difficult to find and take a long time to build. The American-made transformers cannot be modified to fit the Ukrainian system. This necessitates a global search for the right equipment.

Last month, he spoke in Japan with Toshiba Corp (652.T), and Hitachi Ltd (6501.T] to discuss high-voltage transformers. He wanted to "underline for these people the importance we place on this effort" as well as urge them to speed up deliveries.

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