Farewell Ceremony for Alexey Brekht
A ceremony was held on January 23, 2026, at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv to honor Alexey Brekht, the former head of Ukraine's National Power Company (NEC Ukrenergo). Brekht was killed on January 21 while performing his duties, working to restore electricity to a facility damaged in a large-scale attack by the Russian Federation. Ukraine's energy grid has been a primary target of Russian strikes throughout the war, making repair work exceptionally perilous.
Hundreds gathered at the service to pay their respects to the energy specialist. His daughter, Maria Brekht, addressed the mourners, including many from the energy sector. She emphasized the importance of her father's work, stating:
“People often said he was a man of energy, and I am sure that with this energy he partially revived our entire power system. And I really want to ask—I understand there are many representatives from this field here—please, do not waste his energy, do not waste all that he did.” - Maria Brekht
Alexey Brekht's Contribution to the Energy Sector
Alexey Brekht served as the former acting chairman of the board of NEC Ukrenergo, and his contributions to rebuilding Ukraine's energy infrastructure will be remembered by many.
His death represents a significant loss for Ukraine's energy industry, which has already endured severe trials during the ongoing war. His work was crucial not only for restoring power but also for strengthening the nation's energy security. The farewell ceremony served as a testament to the respect and recognition for his efforts, as well as a call to continue his vital work in the face of persistent challenges.