Power outages in Ukraine are rising again. They continue driving people to buy cheap generators and batteries, increasing the risk of explosions and fires, as well as future environmental pollution.
Having been a small business owner for many years, I can sympathise with Elvira's struggles. I have a friend who owns a beauty parlor; she works long hours for low pay, but she is a proud independent businesswoman. The additional challenges of keeping her business open and civil society alive in the face of war make Elvira a hometown hero and a soldier for Ukraine in her own way.
That’s such a lovely way to put it. I’m glad this story resonated. People like your friend and Elvira really are everyday heroes! Keeping things going, supporting others, and showing so much strength even in tough times 💛
How has your friend managed to keep her business going through everything?
Yes, she owns the building her shop is in, and her business is strong enough that she can work by appointment only. She is approaching retirement and only works as much as she feels like. Hairdressing is hard on a person's legs, arms, and shoulders.
I have a lot of admiration for the brave Ukrainian civilians who go to work every day after suffering through nightly bombardments.
The dangers with cheap generators is definitely a predatory business practice. It’s exploitative and harms the buyers and businesses. Not to mention the environment.
What a great issue of "The Counteroffensive!" Incredibly newsy! I think y'all have really hit your stride. Thanks for keeping us informed about all things Ukrainian. Stay safe.
Very interesting story. NB it was picked up in Bill Bishop's Sinicism Substack, one of the most widely read newsletters on current affairs in and regarding China!
I am confused - a generator consists of a diesel or a petrol motor, driving a dynamo. There are no batteries, it's a micro-power-plant. It can be used to charge a battery. I shipped a generator (made by a small Dutch firm) and a battery (made by Ecoflow) to my relatives in Kharkiv last winter). What has exploded? The article has a lot of stuff on batteries, and not as much on generators.
Thanks for your comment, you’re absolutely right that a traditional generator itself doesn’t contain batteries.
In this story, we’re looking at a broader ecosystem of backup power solutions people are using during blackouts including generators, battery stations, power banks, etc. According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, fires are often caused not just by generators themselves, but by faulty charging systems, batteries, or improper use of combined setups.
In this particular case, the explosion involved a generator, but the wider reporting reflects a pattern of risks linked to low-cost power equipment more generally.
Appreciate you pointing this out, it’s an important distinction.
Having been a small business owner for many years, I can sympathise with Elvira's struggles. I have a friend who owns a beauty parlor; she works long hours for low pay, but she is a proud independent businesswoman. The additional challenges of keeping her business open and civil society alive in the face of war make Elvira a hometown hero and a soldier for Ukraine in her own way.
That’s such a lovely way to put it. I’m glad this story resonated. People like your friend and Elvira really are everyday heroes! Keeping things going, supporting others, and showing so much strength even in tough times 💛
How has your friend managed to keep her business going through everything?
Yes, she owns the building her shop is in, and her business is strong enough that she can work by appointment only. She is approaching retirement and only works as much as she feels like. Hairdressing is hard on a person's legs, arms, and shoulders.
I have a lot of admiration for the brave Ukrainian civilians who go to work every day after suffering through nightly bombardments.
The dangers with cheap generators is definitely a predatory business practice. It’s exploitative and harms the buyers and businesses. Not to mention the environment.
Thanks for once again elevating the personal effects of the illegal Russian invasion & war crimes 😢 💪💙💛
What a great issue of "The Counteroffensive!" Incredibly newsy! I think y'all have really hit your stride. Thanks for keeping us informed about all things Ukrainian. Stay safe.
That’s so kind of you to say, really glad you’re enjoying it! It means a lot to know it’s helping people stay informed and connected 💙💛
What have you found most interesting or impactful in this issue?
Very interesting story. NB it was picked up in Bill Bishop's Sinicism Substack, one of the most widely read newsletters on current affairs in and regarding China!
You know, the power doesn’t go out much where I live, so I bought one of those Chinese generators.
Now this article makes me wish I’d saved up to buy a Honda generator instead.
I am confused - a generator consists of a diesel or a petrol motor, driving a dynamo. There are no batteries, it's a micro-power-plant. It can be used to charge a battery. I shipped a generator (made by a small Dutch firm) and a battery (made by Ecoflow) to my relatives in Kharkiv last winter). What has exploded? The article has a lot of stuff on batteries, and not as much on generators.
Thanks for your comment, you’re absolutely right that a traditional generator itself doesn’t contain batteries.
In this story, we’re looking at a broader ecosystem of backup power solutions people are using during blackouts including generators, battery stations, power banks, etc. According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, fires are often caused not just by generators themselves, but by faulty charging systems, batteries, or improper use of combined setups.
In this particular case, the explosion involved a generator, but the wider reporting reflects a pattern of risks linked to low-cost power equipment more generally.
Appreciate you pointing this out, it’s an important distinction.