Russian attacks against Ukrainian power infrastructure have intensified once more, with the head of Ukraine’s largest private power producer, DTEK, telling reporters that 80% of its generating capacity has been damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks in late March.

Five of six plants operated by DTEK – which typically supplies around 25% of the country’s energy needs – have been attacked, particularly in central and western regions, with repairs expected to take as long as 18 months. Damage to equipment alone has been estimated as costing US$300 million, and labour for repairs another US$150 million.

Two-thirds of repairs previously carried out by DTEK after attacks last year were once again destroyed last month.