«Свет специально отключили, к миру принуждают». Олег Попенко, Юрий Романенко

Summary

Host Yuriy Romanenko and energy and utilities expert Oleg Popenko reject the idea that Ukrainian authorities are deliberately imposing blackouts to “force peace.” They argue that uneven electricity supply is better explained by physical damage to the power system, transmission bottlenecks, and inconsistent decisions about which facilities remain connected.

Damage to the power system

Popenko says Russian attacks have damaged substations, thermal generation facilities, and infrastructure needed to transmit electricity from nuclear plants. He describes Kyiv as especially vulnerable because the city has little local generation and key parts of its energy hub were not adequately protected. Citing figures discussed in the broadcast, he says only seven of 23 major substations have been protected.

In Popenko’s view, electricity restrictions are likely to continue for a long time, even if attacks stop, while damaged equipment is repaired. The speakers also describe uneven outages between regions and allege that electricity is not always distributed according to national dispatch instructions.

Popenko says underground high-voltage lines are sometimes proposed as a solution, but would be prohibitively expensive, particularly for the highest-voltage connections. He calls for more practical investment in protecting facilities and restoring generation and transmission capacity.

Water and heating

Popenko criticizes Kyiv’s late procurement of backup generators for water and heating utilities, arguing that preparations should have begun years earlier. He cites two sewage discharges into the Southern Bug in Mykolaiv after power failures at pumping facilities. The city then resorted to hyperchlorinating its water supply, which he says made the water unsuitable for drinking.

The speakers warn that power outages could cause further disruptions to water services and urge residents to plan for temporary shortages.

They also argue that Kyiv has failed to decentralize its heating system, leaving much of the city dependent on large thermal plants and vulnerable networks. Popenko criticizes spending on roads and paving while generators, pipelines, and local boiler plants remain unfinished.

Wider infrastructure and preparedness

Popenko says thousands of damaged homes lack a consolidated registry, making it difficult to identify where repairs, relocation, or other assistance are needed. The speakers describe Kyiv’s wider infrastructure as overstretched: some newer residential buildings, they say, lack adequate connections to electricity, water, or heating networks, while aging pipes and other utilities are increasingly prone to failures.

Popenko argues that the city’s problems cannot be solved through short-term fixes alone. He also criticizes high electricity prices, saying they place pressure on businesses and public utilities, and calls for tighter controls during wartime.

The speakers warn that a mass evacuation of vulnerable Kyiv residents would be extremely difficult without advance planning and sufficient transport. Popenko says authorities should focus on practical preparations, including evacuation plans for children and clear arrangements for water distribution.

Broadcast preview

At the end of the discussion, Romanenko announces a separate forthcoming broadcast with journalist Olga Levchuk about her account that her son was detained by a territorial recruitment center. This is presented as a preview, rather than a substantive segment of the discussion.

Presenters and contributor

• Yuriy Romanenko — host
• Oleg Popenko — guest, energy and utilities expert