Key facts
- Ukraine needs 5.4 billion euros for its "energy resilience plan" to prepare for winter.
- The plan includes repairing energy infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks and building protective fortifications.
- Kyiv is currently footing a significant portion of the bill, with state budget allocations and pending parliamentary approval.
- International partners, including the EU, are in funding talks, but a dedicated support package is not confirmed.
- Some regions, including Kyiv, are behind schedule in implementing the necessary preparations.
Ukraine is racing against time to secure funding for a 5.4 billion euro ($6.2 billion) "energy resilience plan" aimed at repairing and protecting its energy infrastructure ahead of another winter of potential Russian attacks. The plan, first announced in spring, seeks to address the significant damage sustained last winter, which saw nine gigawatts of power generation capacity destroyed. Efforts include repairing equipment, developing backup power and water supplies, and building protective fortifications around critical sites.
The Ukrainian government is shouldering a substantial financial burden, allocating over Hr 25 billion ($557 million) from the state budget and seeking an additional Hr 40 billion ($890 million) pending parliamentary approval. While international partners, including the EU, are engaged in funding discussions, a separate support package for this specific resilience plan is not currently available, especially after the EU committed a 90 billion euro loan in April. Kyiv is exploring options to utilize parts of this loan for civilian needs.
Despite the urgency, President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that many regions are falling behind the September deadline for plan implementation. The capital city, Kyiv, which suffered heavily last winter, is particularly behind schedule. In response, the government approved an additional Hr 2 billion ($45 million) for Kyiv, following Mayor Vitali Klitschko's allocation of Hr 9 billion ($200 million) from the City Council.
The Ministry for the Development of Communities and Territories confirmed that physical protection measures are being implemented, and procurement of transportable heating systems will commence soon. The ministry also highlighted priorities such as ensuring uninterrupted water and reliable heating supplies.