No Air Conditioning For Ukraine Officials As Power System Hit By Russia
KYIV: Ukraine’s government ordered all ministries and regional authorities on Friday to stop using air conditioning and switch off external lighting as Russian bombardments forced long blackouts across the country. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said reducing power consumption and saving as much electricity as possible was vital following Russian strikes on the Ukrainian power system. “Due to the Russian attacks, we have a significant deficit in the energy system. To improve the situation, we restore and expand generation and simultaneously reduce consumption,” Shmyhal told a government meeting. “We approved the government’s order to reduce electricity consumption by all state authorities. Ministries, central institutions and regional administrations should stop using air conditioners and external lighting of buildings and nearby areas.” Temperatures in Ukraine are hovering at about 25 degrees Celsius (77°F) and could rise up to 35°C (95°F) in July and August. Shmyhal said the governme