power trip means what

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One Way to Deal With Someone on A Power Trip

Hint: many who throw their weight around don’t feel all that powerful..

Posted September 17, 2019 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

Sure, there are people out there who like to use power to control other people—that’s pretty much the definition of a power trip. But is your boss, coworker, ex-friend, or estranged relative really one of them?

Not necessarily.

Not everybody who seems to be on a power trip actually is. Even the most controlling, domineering person in your life may simply be… protecting herself.

Self-protection isn’t the only alternative explanation for an apparent power trip. But it’s one that’s often overlooked.

If you can spot self-protection in action, you’re more likely to respond effectively and even potentially help the person heal.

The Power of Self-Protection

Most of us, if we’ve been hurt badly enough in the past, will prioritize doing whatever it takes to stay emotionally and physically safe.

Some of the behaviors we use as a shield can easily be mistaken for something more aggressive. Here are just a few examples:

• Dictating the details of how things play out to make sure we don’t get hurt again
• Requiring lots of information upfront before we agree to do things
• Changing our minds after agreeing to something that makes us nervous
• Reducing or eliminating contact with people who feel dangerous

All of these behaviors can come across as power-tripping. But self-protection is not about enjoying power; it’s about trying to ensure safety.

Sometimes, self-protection requires us to remove ourselves from certain relationships. There are various ways of doing this, ranging from “ ghosting ” (disappearing without explanation) to having a respectful conversation in which we clearly state our needs and boundaries in a way that others can choose to act on, or not, with the understanding that we hope they’ll be able to do so.

Mostly, when we’re in self-defense mode, we’re not especially polite. We might come across as unreasonable, stubborn, or even aggressive.

Think about it: If you’re at a backyard barbecue, and your shorts catch fire, you’re going to make a beeline for the swimming pool without concern for whose Coke you knock over. While you’re dashing to the pool, your only thought is for your own safety.

Even if we don’t feel especially powerful, our self-protection can make us look like power-hungry control freaks.

Refusing to return someone’s phone call, from their point of view, is just rude. Even if the truth is we’re scared of what might happen if we talk to them.

Leaving relationships, or acting inconsistently within them because of our own ambivalence, can come across as a power trip because we’re controlling the contact schedule. Sometimes we’re available; other times, we’re not. We decide from moment to moment what we can tolerate.

To the person on the receiving end, we’re just messing with them.

How to Respond

If you’re on the other side, looking at someone who appears to be on a power trip, there are some questions you might consider. To your knowledge…

Has that person experienced physical harm, emotional pain, or deep disappointment in relationships?

How secure does he seem, in general? How’s his overall self-image ?

Is it possible that the “power trip” is really just a need for safety?

If the relationship is important to you, don’t skip over self-protection as a possible explanation for behavior that appears power-driven.

If it might be the case that the person is protecting himself, how can you help him feel safer, especially in the relationship you share?

Here are a few ways to provide safety for people who’ve been hurt and/or traumatized in relationships:

• Ask permission. Ask about timing, locations, activities, topics that are OK to discuss… anything that the person seems anxious to control. These are important to her, so let her decide what feels OK.
• Offer choices. Same as above, and let the person know you’re open to hearing her ideas and preferences. Respect her choices, as long as they don’t directly violate your personal boundaries.
• Don’t push. Fear of being dominated often goes hand in hand with concerns about safety. Never try to coerce someone who’s been traumatized into doing what you want them to do.
• Be patient. Intrusive self-protective behaviors stem from past harm, not malice. People need time, understanding, and acceptance in order to heal.

These behaviors represent the opposite of what most of us feel like doing when someone is throwing their weight around. It’s human nature to want to push back against anything that feels like an inappropriate power-grab.

So if the relationship is not that important to you, you may choose simply not to deal with someone who seems to be on a power trip.

But now that you know it could be something deeper, you can make an informed choice about your own response.

Tina Gilbertson, LPC, is the author of Reconnecting with Your Estranged Adult Child and Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings By Letting Yourself Have Them . She hosts the Reconnection Club Podcast for parents of estranged adult children and offers consultation by distance.

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What Is a Power Trip? Exploring the Psychology, Signs, and Impact of Going on a Power Trip

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

The term “power trip” has become increasingly popular in recent years. But what exactly is a power trip? In its simplest form, a power trip is when someone seeks to gain control over others by using their power or authority. This can manifest itself in different ways, such as through manipulation, bullying, or intimidation. It’s important to understand what a power trip is and the potential consequences it can have on relationships and mental health.

Exploring the Psychology Behind Power Trips

When it comes to understanding the motivations behind power trips, there are a few psychological factors at play. According to Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at California State University, Los Angeles, “Power trips are rooted in insecurity, narcissism, and a need to feel powerful and in control.” 1 People who go on power trips may be trying to compensate for a sense of inadequacy or to make up for a lack of self-esteem. They may also be driven by a need to prove themselves or to be seen as superior.

Another factor that may contribute to power trips is an individual’s ego. Ego can cause people to overestimate their capabilities and underestimate the capabilities of others. This can lead them to take on more than they can handle and to act in a controlling manner. As psychologist Dr. Gail Saltz explains, “People who are prone to power trips often have a sense of entitlement, which means they believe they should get what they want without having to work for it.” 2 This can lead to unrealistic expectations and a lack of empathy for those around them.

Examining Common Examples of Power Trips

Power trips can occur in many different contexts, but some of the most common examples are in the workplace, social settings, and family relationships. In the workplace, a power trip might involve a supervisor or manager who uses their position to manipulate or intimidate others. This could include setting unreasonable demands or expectations, micromanaging employees, or withholding praise or recognition. In social settings, a power trip could involve someone who tries to dominate conversations or make decisions for the group without considering other people’s opinions. In family relationships, a power trip might involve a parent who attempts to control their children’s behavior or choices.

Recognizing the Signs of a Power Trip

It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a power trip so you can address the issue before it escalates. Some common signs to watch out for include:

• Controlling behavior: A person on a power trip may attempt to control or dictate the behavior of those around them.
• Aggressive or demanding language: They may use aggressive language or demand things from others.
• Unreasonable expectations: They may set unrealistic expectations or make unreasonable demands.

Discussing the Impact of Power Trips on Relationships

Power trips can have a profound impact on relationships, both personal and professional. People who go on power trips tend to create tension and conflict, which can strain relationships and lead to feelings of resentment. Additionally, power trips can damage self-esteem and lead to feelings of worthlessness. Research shows that power trips can even have long-term effects on mental health, such as depression and anxiety. 3 It’s important to recognize the impact power trips can have and take steps to address the issue.

Exploring Ways to Avoid Going on a Power Trip

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid going on a power trip. The first step is to understand your own motivations. Ask yourself why you want to exert control over others and consider whether there are healthier ways to meet your needs. It’s also important to practice empathy and compromise. Make sure to listen to the perspectives of others and be open to making concessions. Finally, it’s important to set clear boundaries. Let people know what you expect from them and don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right.

In conclusion, it’s important to be aware of what a power trip is and the potential consequences it can have on relationships and mental health. Power trips are often driven by insecurity and ego and can manifest themselves in different ways. Recognizing the signs of a power trip is key to avoiding it and setting clear boundaries can help you maintain healthy relationships. By understanding the psychology behind power trips and taking steps to avoid them, you can ensure that you don’t fall into the trap of trying to control others.

1 Durvasula, R. (2019, October 23). What is a Power Trip? Verywell Mind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-power-trip-4157783

2 Saltz, G. (2018, December 21). 8 Signs Someone Is on a Power Trip. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-prime/201812/8-signs-someone-is-power-trip

3 Rudolph, K. D., & Hammen, C. (2002). Interpersonal stress and depression: Tests of transactional and diathesis-stress models. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 111(4), 602–614. doi: 10.1037/0021-843X.111.4.

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Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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Definition of power trip

Examples of power trip in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'power trip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Power trip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20trip. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024.

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Why Power Trippers Rule (And How You Can Manage Them)

One of the clients I met today asked for advice on how to handle managers who are power trippers. I told him that I blogged yesterday about how power trippers block blessings . I also promised my dear readers that I will share ways to handle power trippers.

Before that though, I will explain why power trippers rule. I will do this so you will understand how to manage power trippers at work.

When you have experiences or questions, please feel free to share. I will keep your identity secret.

Are you ready? Let’s proceed.

How power trippers rule.

I will say it again, real leaders are not power trippers. Unfortunately, power trippers compete actively for leadership. They become bosses. And when they start enjoying the power, that’s the start abusing it.

Is it fair? No, it is not. But unwittingly, people allow them to rule.

There are many reasons or excuses why we capitulate to power trippers in offices. And for every one of us who allows power trippers to rule, our reasons (and excuses) are valid to us.

We don’t want to fight them.

One example is Maria who is a government employee.

She had worked in a government agency for ten years. Because of her excellent performance and service to the organization, she was awarded tenure by that previous organization.

Unfortunately, a power tripper, a co-worker, went to the powers-that-be and protested. The power tripper insisted that she’s not qualified because of a “new policy” that required employees to finish their masters in five years — or they’ll not be renewed.

Since she’s a few more units to graduation, the power tripper claimed she does not deserve tenure nor renewal in the institution.

It was a few weeks before Christmas. It was obvious to many that the power tripper, who is a kumare of Maria, saw Maria as a threat.

The tenure award was withdrawn. She resigned from her job and opted to transfer to a different government agency.

You may be asking, why did Maria allow a power tripper to win?

Understand that Maria has three children she has to take care of. Her husband was working abroad. The best option, she thought, was to transfer to another agency where she will have peace of mind.

Three of her co-employees were in the same situation. They fought for their rights because they believe the policy was not approved by any assembly and was contrary to the law. Because they fought for their rights, the promotion policy was not implemented. Unfortunately, the power tripper used it to kick a competition out.

Because we tolerate them.

A power tripper rule because they are tolerated. For the sake of “harmony,” people who are not yet power trippers allow them. They are like bystanders who watch while bullies are abusing others.

Another example is Belinda.

Three years ago, she was recommended for promotion because she was the most qualified. A power tripper, who has clout, blocked her promotion.

To appease the power tripper, the committee where she is also a member capitulated. They did not want to fight her. Anyway, Belinda is still young. She will eventually be promoted. She only needs to please the power tripper.

They said it is better to accept and seek God’s plan than to fight.  Maybe, God has greater plans for her.

I am puzzled when people talk about God to justify what is wrong. I imagine them telling David not to fight Goliath because he was just a kid and God wants people to be humble. But, these people believe in their good intentions.

Consider that in Belinda’s situation, the committee sided with the power tripper. Though the members of the committee will not be denied anything, fighting a power tripper may cause them trouble. They are playing safe .

They hit you when you are weak.

A power-tripper wins because she hits you at your weakest spot. For Maria, the education and care of her children are far more important than fighting for her rights.

The individual committee members don’t want to offend power trippers. They opted not to fight for Belinda’s rights because it was not their fight. They don’t want trouble. God must have a greater purpose for Belinda.

As for Belinda, she’s a breadwinner. A promotion promises increased income. Fighting a power tripper may cause stress and possibly a non-renewal. She opted to play safe too.

They have minions.

And observe also that a power tripper is never alone. Some people applaud her actions. They believe that being on her side will benefit them and make them safe.

In Filipino, we call them sipsip or suck-ups. Others call them tuta (lapdogs). We don’t like power trippers and their minions, but we have to endure them because we need our work.

You can be a victim of power-tripping in an office with less than ten people. You can experience this in big organizations. You can experience this in churches, schools, and institutions where you expect people to know better.

Choose not to be victims.

If only we all dare to do what is right, there will be no power trippers. But we don’t have the same ounces of courage.

Let us not blame the victims of power trippers. They have reasons. What they need is our empathy and support. Blaming people won’t change anything. We have to find ways, even in small ways, to make change happen.

I will continue this article. I will show you how to reform and, when necessary, fight power trippers.

Jef Menguin

P.S. I encourage you to consider bringing to your organization my Exemplary Leadership Masterclass. It will help you tremendously in changing the way everyday leaders enable others to act.

What’s Next

I encourage you to read the following posts to help you accelerate your personal development and improve your leadership skills.

21 Best Tips on Self-Improvement

Little-Known Power of Ningas Kugon to Create Breakthroughs

What is leadership?

7 Self-Leadership Tips for Exceptional Supervisors

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There will be no tyrants if there are no slaves. Yes, Jose Rizal did say this. It is as if our own subjugation is our own making.

But I do agree with what he said, to some extent. Power trippers rule because we allow them. The abuses of power trippers do not help any organization. It creates mistrust. We have to call them out. And this is a shared responsibility.

There is no peace of mind when we allow power trippers to continue. Document what they are doing. Find out what they are doing that does not help your organization. Enroll in the support of others so you won’t be fighting alone.

I offer immersive, playful, and impactful learning experiences.

The best training programs we can give to leaders help them get started, build momentum, and make breakthroughs.

Schedule a free Zoom consultation.

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Definition of power trip noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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Such bosses give unnecessary tips to their employees and tell them how to do their job . Yet they don’t know how to do their own jobs.

You should talk to your boss only when it’s too urgent, otherwise do your work and focus on your job. Avoid wasting time on your power tripper boss.

2. Leave Your Boss Alone In His Wonderland:

If your boss thinks he’s the best , let him enjoy his fantasies and leave him in his wonderland. The boss is already emotionally broken, he can do nothing except making things miserable for everyone.

It would be better to leave such people on their own and let them do whatever they want.

Avoid clarifying anything to your boss because he’s already on a power trip and won’t believe whatever you say.

3. How To Deal With A Boss On A Power Trip – Don’t Let Their Actions Affect You:

It’d be good to keep a safe distance, but you also have to make sure that their actions don’t leave a negative impact on you.

While working under such bosses, it’s easier to lose your temper sometimes and ruin things. But that’s what you have to take control of.

Don’t fell victim to their traps and avoid losing hope in your job. Keep your confidence level high and deal with this workplace issue like a boss .

4. Avoid Getting Into An Argument With Them:

As mentioned before, it won’t be of any use to argue with such people who believe power is everything. They won’t ever accept a valid point and argue as much as they can to prove themselves right.

So it would be just a wastage of your time and energy to argue with your boss who’s on a power trip.

Let them believe in their self-made truths and rely on their falsified beliefs.

5. Don’t Brag About Your Achievements To Deal With A Boss On A Power Trip:

When you talk about your success, your power tripper boss will start talking about his own.

He can’t see anyone else taking the limelight and loves to make people praise him for his achievements.

If you want to work in this job and have no other option, praising your boss’s success will be good.

Although you’ve been successful and got so many achievements, you’ve to keep it to yourself.

6. Document Their Behavior – When It Goes Unbearable:

If your boss’s annoyance is going beyond your patience, you can prepare to report this behavior.

Get his actions documented in writing, collect evidence that highlights his power trip.

Gather all your collected evidence in a file and prepare to meet the management in this regard.

However, if you don’t want to report it and continue doing it because you don’t have another job, go to HR.

7. How To Deal With A Boss On A Power Trip – Seek Guidance From HR:

In case if you’re stuck at what you should do next to get rid of your power tripper boss, seek help from HR.

They can guide you better about how to save your career while doing this job. Or they might suggest you find a new job as this one’s causing damage to your mental health.

Whatever you want to do next, be cautious as your boss, who’s on a power trip, can create trouble for you.

8. If It Doesn’t Go Well – Get Ready For Job Hunt:

Regardless of what condition your job is in, you must always be ready to face anything coming your way.

If you’ve made up your mind about leaving this job, you should rehearse your interview speech. Also, prepare a nice and impressive resume to increase the opportunity to find a good job.

When you begin your job hunt, keep in mind that your new boss can be difficult to deal with as well. But that shouldn’t keep you from chasing your goals.

9. Get Yourself A Better Boss – Time To Quit:

There’s always an option of getting yourself a better boss, don’t force yourself to work in a toxic environment.

A boss on a power trip will demand double-energy from you, one to do your job and the other to get along with his nonsense.

It can be really exhausting to do both at the same time. So you should quit working with him if the water goes over your head.

How To Know If Someone Is On A Power Trip – 6 Visible Signs

Identifying power trippers is important, they can be making your job difficult without you knowing. You’d be able to deal with your boss who’s on a power trip only when you know his traits.

So here are some signs to know if someone is on a power trip.

1. They’re Shallow Inside:

Such people always pretend to be the best ones, while in reality, they’re not. They always make noise of “I’m the best,” yet they lack so many basic skills.

For instance, power trippers don’t know how to control their anger and manage things at the workplace.

You’ll constantly be filling their self-esteem and ego, but still, your boss wouldn’t be happy with you.

2. Power Hunger Makes Them Toxic:

Your boss is surely on a power trip if he loves the overly competitive environment. He encourages toxic behavior in employees and spread rumors to create toxicity in the workplace.

A toxic environment at work itself indicates that there’s a power tripper who’s making things worse.

3. These People Want Status:

A boss who is on a power trip craves status and authority to control people around him. He wants to take everything in control.

You’ll see your boss reminding everyone that he’s the boss and he holds superiority over them.

He always talks about how he came along the way and what achievements he made in the past.

4. Loves To Force People To Bow Down:

These people want to command respect from everyone working with them. They’d be happy to see people bowing down to them.

It creates a sense of power and authority in their mind, and they think that this is a success. Doing whatever it takes to be powerful and superior is what they do at work all day.

5. There’s Infinite Jealousy:

Power trippers can’t see other people doing better than themselves; they want to look the best . There’s visible jealousy you can see on their faces.

They want to be the only “good” person in the workplace with all the limelight. They won’t bear anyone else being successful.

6. They’ve Dark Insecurities:

Power seekers always have some dark insecurities which they hide behind layers.

Such people, when put into groups to work, are the ones that feel most powerless. So when they get this power, they try their best to hide their insecurities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you handle someone on power trips.

Dealing with someone on power trips can be a bit difficult, but it’s not impossible at all. You shouldn’t engage with such people and focus on work. You must speak to the topic and not to the person. Ask for clarification to see if they really meant what they said.

What Do You Do When Your Boss Overlooks You?

First of all, don’t assume your boss’s intentions as bad ones; he might be just doing his work. Flip the lens and see the perspective of his side. You should prepare yourself to talk to your boss and have a dedicated yet positive conversation. Don’t lose any chance of making yourself visible.

Why Is My Boss On A Power Trip?

People who are insecure in their own authority are more likely to be in on power trips. If they train someone lower than them and that person happens to be more superior, the proud trainer will be on a power trip.

How Do You Deal With A Power-Hungry Person?

You can handle a power-hungry person by talking to them, telling them that you’re concerned, but not insult them. Also, offer them feedback more as a friend and not as a competitor so they can assess themselves.

Dealing with a boss who’s on a power trip can be exhausting, and it might leave you with no energy at the end of the day.

But if it’s necessary for your job and you haven’t a new job lined up for yourself, then you’ll have to do it anyways.

However, a strategic way of dealing with your power tripper can save your time and energy .

We hope you found these tips to deal with a boss on a power trip useful.

You can share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Last Updated on 2 hours by Shahzaib Arshad

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power trip noun

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What does the noun power trip mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun power trip . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun power trip ?

How is the noun power trip pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun power trip come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun power trip is in the 1960s.

OED's earliest evidence for power trip is from 1968, in Newsweek (New York).

power trip is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons: power n. 1 , trip n. 1

Nearby entries

• power take-off, n. 1928–
• power tennis, n. 1940–
• power tie, n. 1984–
• power tool, n. 1878–
• power-to-weight ratio, n. 1937–
• power tower, n. 1912–
• power train, n. 1943–
• power transformer, n. 1929–
• power transistor, n. 1957–
• power trio, n. 1937–
• power trip, n. 1968–
• power-trip, v. 1987–
• power-tripping, n. 1971–
• power-tripping, adj. 1970–
• power tube, n. 1924–
• power unit, n. 1874–
• power-up, n. 1958–
• power user, n. 1885–
• power valve, n. 1919–
• power walk, n. 1986–
• power-walk, v. 1985–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for power trip, n..

power trip, n. was first published in December 2006.

power trip, n. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

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Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into power trip, n. in July 2023.

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Factsheet for power trip, n., browse entry.

Explainer: power station ‘trips’ are normal, but blackouts are not

Honorary Associate Professor, Centre for Climate Economics and Policy, Australian National University

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Hugh Saddler writes a monthly newsletter on electricity policy issues, published by the Australia Institute

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Tens of thousands of Victorians were left without power over the long weekend as the distribution network struggled with blistering temperatures, reigniting fears about the stability of our energy system.

It comes on the heels of a summer of “trips” , when power stations temporarily shut down for a variety of reasons. This variability has also been used to attack renewable energy such as wind and solar, which naturally fluctuate depending on weather conditions.

The reality is that blackouts, trips and intermittency are three very different issues, which should not be conflated. As most of Australia returns to school and work in February, and summer temperatures continue to rise, the risk of further blackouts make it essential to understand the cause of the blackouts, what a power station “trip” really is, and how intermittent renewable energy can be integrated into a national system.

Read more: A month in, Tesla's SA battery is surpassing expectations

Initial reports indicate recent blackouts in Victoria were caused by multiple small failures in the electricity distribution system across the state, affecting all but one of the five separately owned and managed systems that supply Victorians.

Across the whole of mainland Australia, very hot weather causes peak levels of electricity consumption. Unfortunately, for reasons of basic physics, electricity distribution systems do not work well when it is very hot, so the combination of extreme heat and high demand is very challenging. It appears that significant parts of the Victorian electricity distribution system were unable to meet the challenge, leading to uncontrolled blackouts.

Parenthetically, electricity distribution systems are vulnerable to other types of uncontrollable extreme environmental events, including high winds, lightning, and bushfires. Sometimes blackouts last only a few seconds, sometimes for days, depending on the nature and extent of the damage to the system.

Read more: What caused South Australia's state-wide blackout?

These blackouts are very different from those caused by power station “trips”, although they have the same effect on consumers. When electricity is insufficient to meet demand, certain sections of the grid have to be startegically blacked out to restore the balance (this is known as “load shedding”).

It is the possibility of blackouts of this second type which has excited so much commentary in recent months, and has been linked to power station “trips”.

What is a ‘trip’ and how significant is it?

“Trip” simply means disconnect; it is used to describe the ultra-fast operation of the circuit breakers used as switching devices in high-voltage electricity transmission systems. When a generator trips, it means that it is suddenly, and usually unexpectedly, disconnected from the transmission network, and thus stops supplying electricity to consumers.

The key words here are suddenly and unexpectedly . Consider what happened in Victoria on January 18 this year. It was a very hot day and all three brown coal power stations in the state were generating at near full capacity, supplying in total about 4,200 megawatts towards the end of the afternoon, as total state demand climbed rapidly past 8,000MW (excluding rooftop solar generation).

Suddenly, at 4:35pm, one of the two 500MW units at Loy Yang B, Victoria’s newest (or, more precisely, least old) coal-fired power station tripped. At the time this unit was supplying 490MW, equal to about 6% of total state demand.

The system, under the operational control of the Australia Energy Market Operator (AEMO), responded just as it was meant to. There was considerable spare gas generation capacity, some of which was immediately made available, as was some of the more limited spare hydro capacity. There was also a large increase in imports from New South Wales, and a smaller reduction in net exports to South Australia.

By the time Loy Yang B Unit 1 was fully back on line, three hours later, Victoria had passed its highest daily peak demand for nearly two years. There was no load shedding: all electricity consumers were supplied with as much electricity as they required. However, spot wholesale prices for electricity reached very high levels during the three hours, and it appears that some large consumers, whose supply contracts exposed them to wholesale prices, made short-term reductions in discretionary demand.

Read more: A high price for policy failure: the ten-year story of spiralling electricity bills

This (relatively) happy outcome on January 18 was made possible by the application of the system reliability rules and procedures, specified in the National Electricity Rules.

These require AEMO to ensure that at all times, in each of the five state regions of the NEM, available spare generation capacity exceeds the combined capacity of the two largest units operating at any time.

In other words, spare capacity must be sufficient to allow demand to continue to be reliably supplied if both of the two largest units generating should suddenly disconnect.

Forecasting

AEMO forecasts energy demand, and issues market notices alerting generators about reliability, demand and potential supply issues. On a busy day, like January 18, market notices may be issued at a rate of several per hour.

These forecasts allowed generators to respond to the loss of Loy Yang B without causing regional blackouts.

What is not publicly known, and may never be known, is why Loy Yang Unit B1 tripped. AEMO examines and reports in detail on what are called “ unusual power system events ”, which in practice means major disruptions, such as blackouts. There are usually only a few of these each year, whereas generator trips that don’t cause blackouts are much more frequent (as are similar transmission line trips).

It has been widely speculated that, as Australia’s coal fired generators age, they are becoming less reliable, but that could only be confirmed by a systematic and detailed examination of all such events.

Managing variable generation

Finally, and most importantly, the events described above bear almost no relationship to the challenges to reliable system operation presented by the growth of wind and solar generation.

With traditional thermal generation, the problems are caused by unpredictability of sudden failures, and the large unit size, especially of coal generators, which means that a single failure can challenge total system reliability. Individual wind generators may fail unpredictably, but each machine is so small that the loss of one or two has a negligible effect on reliability.

The challenge with wind and solar is not reliability but the variability of their output, caused by variations in weather. This challenge is being addressed by continuous improvement of short term wind forecasting. As day-ahead and hour-ahead forecasts get better, the market advice AEMO provides will give a more accurate estimate of how much other generation will be needed to meet demand at all times.

Read more: 100% renewable by 2050: the technology already exists to make it happen

Of course, AEMO, and the generation industry, do still get caught out by sudden and unexpected drops in wind speed, but even the fastest drop in wind speed takes much longer than the milliseconds needed for a circuit breaker in a power station switchyard to trip out.

At the same time, as the share of variable renewable generation grows, the complementary need for a greater share of fast response generators and energy storage technologies will also grow, while the value to the system of large, inflexible coal-fired generators will shrink.

• Renewable energy
• Solar power
• Energy policy
• National Electricity Market
• South Australia blackout

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Daylight Electrician Singapore Articles / Blog

• Power Failure

Power Trip At Home? 3 Reasons Why Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping And How To Fix It

• Author : daylightadmin4

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In Singapore, power trips are a frequent electrical emergency faced by homeowners. This occurs when the current in a circuit breaker exceeds the prescribed amount, thereby cutting off the electric supply. 

Although a power trip prevents damage to the wiring and other appliances, it can also result in a blackout. So to prevent it, here are some reasons why a power trip may occur in your circuit breaker and how you can resolve it. 

3 Reasons Why Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

Overloaded Electric Circuit

One main reason why a power trip happens is because of the electrical circuit getting overloaded beyond the prescribed limit.  When the current exceeds the rated capacity of the wiring, it can get damaged or create a fire hazard.  In order to prevent an actual fire from taking place, a circuit trip occurs. 

Connecting multiple electrical appliances to a power supply may also cause the power supply to trip. Malfunctioning appliances in particular may use up more power, increasing the total current supply and causing the circuit breaker to trip.

Short Circuit

A short circuit can also cause an HDB circuit breaker trip . One way to identify this is by checking for burning smells. Usually, a Short circuit occurs when the hot wire (black) touches a neutral wire (white).  A surge in current supply can also happen when electrical wiring with damaged insulation come into contact with each other. Damaged appliances or lighting components with wiring problems can also cause a short circuit when plugged into an outlet.

Ground Fault 

Besides short circuits, a power trip can also happen because of a ground fault. . When the circuit breaker’s hot wire comes into contact with the ground, the resistance is lowered and causes increased current.  A hot wire (black) which makes contact with a metallic object can also cause a circuit breaker trip to occur. 

Ground faults can also happen when homeowners ignore general electricity safety tips . Furthermore, this can cause a highly dangerous accident such as an electrical shock from switches or sockets . 

How to Fix a Power Trip

Overloaded Electric Circuit 

• Firstly, switch off all electronic appliances, gadgets, and light installations in the house.
• Next, switch on  all low power consumption electrical devices.  
• Now turn on your high power consumption appliances gradually until an electric trip occurs. Note down which high power consumption devices were connected when the trip happened.
• Whichever appliance has caused an increase in the power supply is likely to be the cause of your power trip.
• After determining the cause of your power trip, you can Connect the high power consumption electric appliance to another electric circuit to avoid another electric trip.
• Alternatively, you can upgrade your electrical wiring and hardware to carry the additional power load. While waiting for the wiring to be upgraded, you should minimize the use of appliances that consume more power as much as possible. You can also switch off all other appliances when only one is being used.

Compared to a power trip caused by overloading, fixing one which results from a short circuit is usually more difficult.

Usually, in the case of a short circuit, there is a massive spike in current which results in burning (causing a bad smell and discoloration). In that case, the electrical outlets should be switched off, and each of the power points and sockets should be inspected for any discoloration or smell. The insulation of the wiring should be checked as well. Furthermore, all the appliances should also be inspected for damage or odor. Usually the appliance with a short circuit will stop working and will have to be replaced or repaired.

Since most homes and offices have concealed wiring , it is not easy to inspect the wiring for damage or short circuit. Moreover, it is not easy to find out the exact condition of the wiring to detect any damage which has occurred. 

During monsoon seasons, an increase in the moisture levels or wet walls may cause a short circuit. Unfortunately, most property owners do not have the tools and experience to detect the damage to the concealed wiring. Hence it is advisable to hire the services of a licensed and experienced electrician who can accurately detect the short circuit and conduct an electrical wiring repair or replacement.

• Switch off all appliances and unplug them from the electric circuit.
• Switch on the circuit breaker .
• If there is no electric trip, each of the appliances should be connected to the circuit. Once the defective appliance is connected, the circuit breaker will trip.
• The faulty appliance should be repaired or replaced to prevent another ground fault.

If the circuit breaker continues to trip, it’s p o ssible that you might have electric wiring mistakes present. In that case, you should contact a reliable electrician to check the wiring and fix it if needed.

Depending on the cause of the electric trip, the property owner can either fix it himself or hire the services of a well-trained licensed electrician in Singapore.  If you opt for the latter, you can contact someone from Daylight Electrician Singapore  with many years of experience in providing all kinds of electrical services .

Daylight Electrician Singapore provides complete electrical services including emergency electrician service in Singapore. Our network of electrical workers and EMA licensed electricians are specially trained to execute all kinds of electrical repairs and works including electrical installation such as light installation , ceiling fan installation , power failure recovery as well as electrical wiring and rewiring , power socket , electrical switches , light switches and DB Box replacement . We have over 10 years of electrician experience and have done thousands of electrical works for both residential (Landed, condo and HDB electrician) and commercial electrician. We are the highly recommended electrician in Singapore with many happy customers and positive reviews over the years both on Google and Facebook . WhatsApp us at +65 8241 0032 for transparent quotation and honest pricing for all your electrical needs or Call us at +65 6909 9921 . We offer a fast and efficient service to serve any of your electrical needs!

#1 Recommended Electrician in Singapore. WhatsApp us now at +65 8241 0032

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

Russia-Ukraine war latest: Zelenskyy responds to Trump's 'peace plan'

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to alleged comments from Donald Trump about how to end the war in Ukraine. Moscow has accused Kyiv of attacking a nuclear plant for three days in a row. Plus, our question form is open again to submit a question for our military analysts.

Wednesday 10 April 2024 16:30, UK

• Zelenskyy responds to Trump 'peace plan'
• Sharp increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine
• The situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
• The big picture : Everything you need to know about the war this week
• Your questions answered: Is it too late to save Ukraine?
• Live reporting by Emily Mee

Ask a question or make a comment

Our comments box is open once again for you to submit a question on the Ukraine war for Sky News military analysts or correspondents.

We'll pick the best one to answer each week.

Thanks for following along today - here is a quick reminder of what has been happening. 

We've been hearing from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who pushed back on alleged comments from Donald Trump saying Ukraine should cede some of its occupied territory to Russia. 

Mr Zelenskyy said this was a "primitive" suggestion, but added he would be willing to listen to Mr Trump's ideas if he had "strong arguments". 

He was not the only prominent politician to criticise the former US president's alleged remarks. 

Lord Cameron, the UK foreign secretary, said peace in Ukraine could only come from backing Kyiv, rather than through "appeasement" of Russia. 

Elsewhere, a top US general warned Ukraine will run out of air defences "in fairly short order". 

General Christopher Cavoli said the "stakes are very high" for Ukraine. 

• The UN recorded a sharp increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine in March 
• A child was killed in Kharkiv after Russia launched an attack using guided aerial bombs 
• Switzerland will host a high level Ukraine peace conference in June. 

Members of the Siberian Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' International Legion have been pictured taking part in military exercises at an undisclosed location in the Kyiv region today.

A top US general has warned Ukraine will run out of artillery shells and air defence interceptors "in fairly short order" without further American support. 

They told Congress the "stakes are very high" for Ukraine. 

The comments echo those by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warned over the weekend that Ukraine could run out of air defence missiles if Russia keeps up its intense bombardment campaign. 

"If they keep hitting [Ukraine] every day the way they have for the last month, we might run out of missiles, and the partners know it," he said.

In an update to our last post, the regional governor of Ukraine's Kharkiv region has said this afternoon's airstrike in the village of Lyptsi killed three people.

In a post on Telegram, Oleh Synehubov said that as well as the 14-year-old girl's death we reported earlier, two women were killed in the attack.

Two more people were injured, and rescuers continue searching through the rubble for victims.

Local authorities are reporting a child has been killed and at least three others injured in an attack on the Kharkiv region. 

Russian guided aerial bombs struck the Lyptsi, Mala Danylivka, and Vovchansk settlements, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said. 

The governor said the local shop and pharmacy caught fire during the attacks. 

A 14-year-old girl was killed and at least two people - a 33-year-old female pharmacy worker and a 16-year-old boy - were injured in Lyptsi. 

In Vovchansk, a 34-year-old man was taken to hospital with a shrapnel wound. 

Mr Syniehubov said the local health centre was destroyed. 

The Swiss government has said it will host a high-level Ukraine peace conference in June.

It said that the conference's aim is to create a concrete roadmap for Russia's participation in the peace process. 

But Russia has made clear it will not take part in the initiative. 

The conference will take place on 15 and 16 June outside the city of Lucerne. 

A G7 summit is taking place in neighbouring Italy between 13 and 15 June.

Switzerland had said in January it would host a peace summit at the request of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and has since held talks with the EU, G7 member states and countries such as China and India to garner their support. 

"There is currently sufficient international support for a high-level conference to launch the peace process," the Federal Council said in a statement. 

It acknowledged "some unknowns" leading up to the conference, "but in view of Switzerland's long-standing diplomatic tradition and the encouraging feedback received during the exploratory phase, it considers it its responsibility to contribute to the peace process in Ukraine."

The UK foreign secretary has said peace in Ukraine can only come from backing Kyiv, rather than through "appeasement" of Russia. 

His comments appear to be a rebuttal of alleged remarks from Donald Trump that Ukraine should give up some of its occupied territory to end the war. 

Lord Cameron told CNN: "Without saying what I spoke [about] with Donald Trump, fundamentally, this year - and you heard from Zelenskyy this morning - there's a risk that Ukraine will lose more ground to [Vladimir] Putin.

"No one wants to be in a situation in November where we could have acted, we could have helped, we could have beaten back Putin, we could have started the process of getting a Ukraine win and getting a just peace but we failed to do that."

Asked about Mr Trump's alleged comments, he said everyone wants to see an end to the war "but you only get that by backing Ukraine, by showing strength". 

"Peace comes through strength, not through appeasement and weakness," he said. 

Over the past week we've been asking for your questions on the war for our military analysts and international correspondents.

Every week we're picking one or two to answer - starting with this...

With the (lack of) speed of Western policies being implemented and the speed of Russian military production increasing, isn't it already too late to save Ukraine even if European countries agreed on a huge increase in military spending? Andy

Military analyst Sean Bell answers this one...

Thank you, Andy, for this very topical question. 

Wars at scale involve the consumption of huge amounts of weapons, ammunition and military equipment - far beyond the scale that can be held in peacetime stockpiles, and also beyond the capacity of a peacetime defence industrial base. To meet the demands of a modern battlefield, political masters need to make swift decisions about where to invest and what existing production capability can be paused to create capacity to surge military production.

Russia recognised early that it would be involved in a long-term military campaign, and has surged its defence industrial base by at least three times its pre-war size. In addition, Russian oil revenues are funding vast imports of ammunition and missiles from North Korea and Iran.  

In contrast, Ukraine's own defence industrial base remains vulnerable to Russian attack, and it remains increasingly dependent on Western military support to survive. 

Although Western industrial capacity is an order of magnitude greater than Russia's, Russia is ramping up production where the West has been slow to respond.

Western nations now recognise the wider threat that Russia poses to European security, and defence budgets are rising accordingly.  But this represents long-term investment in domestic security, rather than providing a near-term supply of weapons for Ukraine.  

The only credible solution in the near-term - the coming year - is for the US to approve the $60bn military aid package which would enable the rapid deployment of off-the-shelf weapons and ammunition. If that is not forthcoming, the coming summer could prove very difficult for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, continues to argue the West should not rule out putting "boots on the ground" - a view supported by former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace.  Although this would be a significant escalation, it would enable the West to deploy modern weapons from its inventory which - to date - have not been sent to Ukraine for fear of them ending up on the black market.

The West could also implement a no-fly zone over all or part of Ukraine. Given the poor performance of the Russian air force, this would almost certainly turn the tide of the war in Ukraine's favour.  

But is there the political appetite to take such a step - even if it would almost certainly halt Vladimir Putin's brutal war in Ukraine?

The two countries have signed a framework agreement to cooperate in the defence and arms production sectors, officials in Kyiv have said. 

The document was signed at a military industry conference in the Ukrainian capital that was attended by about 30 British defence companies. 

British firms were there to discuss potential joint ventures with Ukrainian weapons and defence producers.

The UK's minister for trade policy Greg Hands said he hoped the agreement would bring gains for Ukraine on the battlefield and also help its economy in the longer term. 

Ukraine has been ramping up efforts to produce its own weaponry as it appears outgunned and outmanned on the battlefield. 

It is hoping also to lure major Western producers to set up repair and production facilities in Ukraine, despite the threat of Russian bombardment. 

British defence company BAE Systems, one of the first Western producers to set up a local entity in Ukraine, signed an agreement with the UK's defence ministry to conduct maintenance, repair and overhaul of light guns on the ground in Ukraine. 

Officials also said they hoped for more projects this year in the drone production sector. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to alleged comments from Donald Trump about how to end the war in Ukraine. 

The former US president, who wants to make it into the White House again in November, reportedly said privately that both Ukraine and Russia "want to save face, they want a way out".

Mr Trump allegedly added that Ukraine should cede part of its occupied territories to Moscow, claiming Ukrainians there would not object to being part of Russia, according to the Washington Post.

His adviser later denied these claims in a comment for the New York Post, calling the article "fake news". 

Mr Zelenskyy said in an interview with Bild that he is sceptical of this reported peace plan. 

"If the deal and the idea is simply to give our territories, then it is very primitive," Mr Zelenskyy said. 

The Ukrainian president said he was willing to listen to Mr Trump's ideas for ending the war if he had "strong arguments". 

"We don't need a fantastic idea, but a real one. This is about human lives; we cannot make jokes, and we cannot take risks," he said. 

He also pointed out Kyiv had invited Mr Trump to Ukraine, publicly and non-publicly, to see the situation with his own eyes. 

The US politician has not accepted the invitation so far. 

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