Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reached out to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on April 28, 2025, to offer Ukraine's assistance in addressing significant disruptions to Spain's energy system and electricity grid. This conversation came in the wake of widespread power outages that affected various regions of Spain and Portugal.
Zelensky highlighted Ukraine's extensive experience in managing energy crises, particularly due to ongoing conflicts with Russia that have targeted its own energy infrastructure. He stated, "Despite years of war and Russian attacks on the energy system, Ukraine has considerable experience in dealing with any challenges related to energy, including power outages." This experience positions Ukraine as a valuable ally for Spain as it grapples with its current energy crisis.
During the call, Zelensky expressed readiness to send technical specialists and experts from Ukraine to assist in restoration efforts. He instructed Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko to mobilize quickly and join the efforts to help Spain recover from the crisis.
Meanwhile, Sanchez acknowledged the critical role of international cooperation in restoring power. He expressed gratitude to Morocco and France for their support in restoring electricity in several areas of Spain. Following the extensive outages, Sanchez noted that the electrical interconnections with these countries were instrumental in re-establishing power.
"Thanks to the electrical interconnection with Morocco and France, we have been able to restore electricity in several regions," Sanchez said during a meeting of the Council of National Security. He described the situation, which had caused significant disruptions across the Iberian Peninsula, as a result of fluctuations in the European electricity system.
The outages began around 12:30 PM on April 28, leading to a complete halt of train services, disruptions in air travel, and significant issues with public transport and traffic signals. Hospitals and airports managed to operate using backup generators, while the Madrid Metro had to evacuate passengers from its facilities.
Reports indicated that the outages also affected internet services, with Spanish telecommunications companies like Telefonica and Orange experiencing disruptions. In Morocco, Orange Morocco reported that the outages in Spain had led to difficulties in their telecommunications network, affecting international connections. They informed their customers, stating, "The disruption of the Internet network is a result of the widespread power outage in Spain and Portugal, which affected international relations, thank you for your understanding."
In response to the crisis, three autonomous communities—Andalusia, Extremadura, and Madrid—formally requested the activation of the third level of the civil protection emergency plan, which includes military assistance. Sanchez confirmed that the government would manage the situation and respond to any further requests for assistance from other regions.
While the exact cause of the outages remains unclear, Sanchez urged citizens to refrain from speculation and to rely on official channels for information. He stated, "We do not rule out any hypothesis, but we should focus on the most important matter, which is restoring electricity to our homes." Media reports have suggested that a cyberattack cannot be ruled out, and investigations are ongoing.
This incident has raised concerns not only in Spain but also in neighboring countries, as the interconnectedness of European energy systems means that disruptions can have far-reaching effects. The collaboration between Spain, Morocco, and France underscores the importance of international partnerships in tackling energy challenges.
As the situation develops, both Ukraine and Spain are poised to work closely together to mitigate the impact of this crisis. The expertise shared by Ukraine could prove invaluable as Spain navigates the complexities of restoring its energy infrastructure.
In summary, the events of April 28, 2025, highlight the fragility of energy systems and the critical need for cooperation among nations to address such challenges. As countries like Ukraine step forward to assist, it reinforces the notion that in times of crisis, solidarity can pave the way for recovery.
