Photo from UNIAN
The issue of termination of electricity supplies to the occupied parts of Donetsk region (ORDO) is being considered now, but it is not as urgent as in the occupied areas of Luhansk region (ORLO), Deputy Minister for the Occupied Territories and IDPs George Tuka told 112 Ukraine TV channel.
When asked about the resumption of supplies after the self-styled authorities of the "LPR" (self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic) pay off debts, Tuka noted that the situation was rather complicated.
"Since any business relationships with uncontrolled territories are now suspended, it would be too optimistic to talk about any prospects for repayment of the existing debt. Unfortunately, I have to admit that it may lead to the permanent shutdown [of power supplies]," he said.
Read alsoUkraine halts power supplies to occupied parts of Luhansk regionTuka also added he does not see the possibility of negotiations with the occupation authorities from the Ukrainian side.
"The debt of the Donetsk region is UAH 5.8 billion, including a little less than a UAH 500 million consumer debt of an uncontrolled territory of Donetsk region. There’s a striking disproportion in Donetsk region... The issue of a possible shutdown [of electricity supplies] is being considered, but is not as acute as in Luhansk region," Tuka explained.
According to him, there has been no payment for electricity from of the "DPR" (self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic) authorities. At the same time, Tuka believes that the militant leaders can resort to retaliatory measures.
Read also"DPR" ready to coexist with Kyiv as confederation"The decision about the termination of power supplies was not taken immediately. The government was preparing for it, discussing the issue with the National Security and Defense Council. I personally sent three formal letters warning of possible negative consequences of such actions ... Some parts of the only power line that remained intact, thanks to which the electricity is being supplied from Schastinska station to the whole territory of Luhansk region, run right along the demarcation line. To destroy this line, one sniper shot hitting the insulator would be enough, and then repair crews would not be allowed to do their work. So, the whole Luhansk region may be held hostage by the terrorists’ position," he said.
Read alsoDonbas militants claim power supplies in Luhansk region restoredTuka also believes that the militants can partially switch to power supplies from Russia.
“They cannot do it in full. However, they are doing it partially. There is a power line that goes to Luhansk region from Russia, but it is not able to provide electricity to the whole Luhansk region…," the deputy minister added.
It was reported earlier that Ukraine completely stopped power supplies to the occupied part of Luhansk region.