Ukraine better prepared for Russian energy attacks than last year, PM says

Ukraine is better prepared for potential Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure this winter compared to last year, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi stated at the annual Yalta European Strategy (YES 2026) conference in Kyiv. While it is unfeasible to safeguard every facility, the government has devised a resilience plan and is devising extra response scenarios, Koretskyi explained.

Ukraine's energy infrastructure continues to face persistent Russian assaults, rendering complete protection unattainable, Koretskyi emphasized. Despite this, the nation has substantially enhanced its readiness in comparison to last year. "The winter will be challenging—I have nothing new to add," he remarked. "However, our only plan is to endure this winter with dignity."

Koretskyi indicated that Russia could leverage the present period and upcoming winter as a chance to intensify pressure on Ukraine. Nevertheless, the government anticipates withstanding such pressure through unified efforts within the country and backing from international allies, he added. Ukraine gleaned lessons from last winter and is currently striving to establish decentralized systems capable of sustaining vital services across regions, cities, and communities, Koretskyi stated.

The government is likewise preparing several response options, spanning from baseline scenarios to the most challenging contingencies. The magnitude of Russian strikes and destruction has multiplied several times over the past two months, exerting additional strain on Ukraine's economy, he said. Koretskyi nonetheless affirmed that the government possesses ample resources and preparedness to tackle the challenges ahead.

He further noted that he gained firsthand experience managing the aftermath of attacks on the energy system during last winter as the head of Naftogaz Ukraine. Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council examined extensive regional resilience plans on August 5, including a resilience plan for Kyiv that has already commenced implementation.

Kyiv City authorities acknowledged in August that preparations for winter were only about 50% complete.