World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk is supporting efforts to rebuild his country’s energy system after brutal russian attacks, which continued on Wednesday. Ahead of the boxer's May 18 fight with Tyson Fury to decide the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, Usyk is partnering Ukrainian energy company DTEK to draw global attention to the plight of Ukraine’s civilian power system.
"I’ll be 100% behind Usyk on the 18th. But in Ukraine, the bigger #FightForLight goes on." said DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko on his X account.
russia carried out a huge missile and drone attack against Ukraine's energy infrastructure early on Wednesday, May 8, hitting three of DTEK's six thermal power plants. The attack severely damaged power generation infrastructure.
It was the fifth wave of attacks on DTEK power stations in the last seven weeks. Prior to Wednesday's attack, 80% of DTEK's available generating capacity had already been damaged or destroyed.
"We renew our call on allies to send more air defence systems and critical replacement equipment such as transformers and generators so that we can secure warmth and light for the Ukrainian people." said Maxim Timchenko on his X account.
Four of DTEK’s six thermal power plants in Ukraine were struck in a new wave of russian attacks on Friday April 27, injuring an energy worker and seriously damaging equipment on which millions of Ukrainians depend.
"russia has again showed its hatred and contempt for the Ukrainian people by firing cruise missiles into four purely civilian power stations. This is terrorism pure and simple. An attempt to destroy the lives of millions of people who rely on electricity to do things we take for granted: drink clean water, refrigerate food, reach apartments, talk to family members or light a child's bedroom," said DTEK CEO.
- The New York Times | Russian attacks crush factories and way of life in Ukrainian villages
- BBC World Service | DTEK Executive Director calls for urgent support to rebuild Ukraine's energy infrastructure
- S&P Global | DTEK's Ukrainian coal plant damages rise to 80% of available capacity
- The Associated Press | Send us Patriots - Ukraine's battered energy plants seek air defenses against russian attacks
- BBC News | Ukraine hit by 'massive' attack on energy grid
