Russia repeatedly attempted to destroy Dniester HPP — Energy Minister Halushchenko

Halushchenko said it’s critically important to protecting the power plant with air defense systems, given Russia's attempts to target the facility.

“It's crucial; should anything happen to this asset, it would not only affect Ukraine,” said Halushchenko.

“I hope Western partners agree to provide the necessary air defense resources. Discussions are ongoing. There have been several attempts to hit the plant. This indicates that the enemy has a clear target.”

On March 29, Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones at critical infrastructure facilities across Ukraine, including the Dniester HPP. Fortunately, the missiles that were aimed at the facility were intercepted on that occasion.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian officials repeatedly called on allies to provide Kyiv with more anti-air systems and surface-to-air missiles to defend against escalating Russian attacks.

On April 11, Polish President Andrzej Duda said that his country might provide Soviet-era anti-air missiles to Ukraine.