Ukrainian electrical engineers have learned to repair Ukraine's power grid under the peril of war. At least 48 have died on the job.

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Ukrainian power grid engineers face life-threatening conditions repairing infrastructure destroyed by near-daily Russian drone and missile attacks. Injuries among electricity workers jumped nearly 50% after Russia's full-scale invasion, with at least 48 killed through 2025. The piece profiles Oleksiy Brecht, Ukrenergo's director for network operations, who died in January while repairing the heavily bombed Kyivska 750-kV substation after a massive January 19 attack. Brecht was known for creative field engineering—adapting mismatched transformers, sourcing parts globally, and pioneering live-line repair techniques. He also championed Ukraine's synchronization with Europe's grid over Russian objections, a decision that proved critical. President Zelenskyy posthumously awarded him the title 'Hero of Ukraine.' The article details the ongoing dangers crews face, including Russian 'double tap' strikes targeting repair workers.

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Ukraine’s Power Infrastructure Under Fire

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