Against the odds and sometimes at the cost of their lives, these Ukrainian power plant workers keep power flowing in the face of Russian attacks, despite dwindling stocks of spare parts.
abc.net.au/news/in-ukraine-power-plant-workers-fight-to-save-their-child/101855578Around some of their precious transformers — the ones that still work, buzzing with electricity — the power plant workers have built protective shields using giant concrete blocks, so they have a better chance of surviving the next Russian missile bombardment.
Because the plant can't function without them, the operators have readied armoured vests and helmets to wear during the deadly hails of missiles, so they can stay at their posts and not join less essential workers in the bomb shelter. And yet, against the odds and sometimes at the cost of their lives, they keep power flowing. They're holding battered plants together with bravery, dedication, ingenuity and dwindling stocks of spare parts.
"It hurts me so much to watch all this. This is inhuman stress. We carried this station in our arms like a child." The bombardments have also forced Ukraine to stop exporting electricity to neighbours Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Poland and Moldova.Each aerial strike causes more damage and leaves behind more craters.The plant that AP's team visited has been struck repeatedly and heavily damaged. It still powers thousands of homes and industries, but its output is down significantly from pre-invasion levels, its workers say.
"We have no fear," Mykola said. "We're more scared for the equipment that is needed to provide light and heat."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ukraine says Russian troops are marching over bodies of their own dead in SoledarRussia says its forces are edging closer to capturing a salt-mining town in eastern Ukraine, which would mark an elusive victory for the Kremlin but come at the cost of heavy Russian casualties and extensive destruction of the territory they claim.
Read more »
Ukraine calls for Australia to send tanks to counter Russian attacksAs western allies pledge heavier weapons to Ukraine, Australia should consider following Britain’s lead and send tanks, Kyiv’s envoy in Canberra says.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine war live: ‘small pockets of resistance’ from Ukraine in Soledar, says Moscow-installed officialRussian Lieutenant Colonel says Russian-backed troops have almost full control; US envoy calls for Serbia to sign on to sanctions against Russia
Read more »
Surgeons remove unexploded grenade lodged in Ukrainian soldier’s chestSappers neutralised the explosive that was lodged just beneath the young man’s heart, Kyiv said
Read more »