Russia’s war on Ukraine’s energy grid explored in ‘Monolith’ documentary

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Moscow has waged a sustained campaign to cripple Ukraine’s energy infrastructure by launching repeated missile and drone strikes that are aimed at plunging cities into darkness, disrupting heating and water supplies, and breaking civilian mode. 

A documentary film titled Monolith is set for release in 2027. It is directed by Ukrainian American Canadian documentary filmmaker Eduard Axelrud.

“Since the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war, Russia has undertaken an under reported campaign of systematic destruction of Ukraine’s energy grid in a cruel attempt to make the country uninhabitable and break the Ukrainian people’s resolve. Despite this, Ukrainians continue to resist and fight against this brutality,” the filmmakers said.

Ukrainian power engineers, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and ingenuity, adapting to the harsh realities of war.

In the film, the energy system itself becomes the central character. Through the stories of key Ukrainian specialists and expert interviews, Monolith explores the system’s scale, history, and vital role in the country’s life. It also portrays the realities of living under bombardment, prolonged power outages, and severe winter conditions.

“The country’s energy sector is planning ahead for a post-war future, presenting unique opportunities to develop a more efficient, decentralized, and sustainable system,” the filmmakers added.

Monolith aims to inform and inspire professionals working at the institutional level in business and international relations. The film seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Ukraine’s energy sector, the realities of supporting it during wartime, and the country’s potential on the global stage.

On Jan. 20, the UWC launched the urgent fundraising campaign in response to a call from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help the country survive the winter under ongoing war and repeated attacks on energy infrastructure.

Individual targeted donations can be made at https://energizeukraine.com

Instructions for making a donation via special bank transfer are available at the following link.