Ukrainian President Chairs Meeting on Energy Security
On January 29, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting to address critical issues concerning gas and electricity imports, financial support from international partners, and plans for new energy capacity. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and the head of Naftogaz, Serhii Korytskyi.
Discussions focused on the aftermath of Russian attacks on Ukraine's oil and gas infrastructure and the ongoing restoration of gas facilities. President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the repair crews and company specialists for their round-the-clock work and the results achieved. He also stressed the paramount importance of ensuring a reliable gas supply for Ukrainians, despite the immense challenges the country faces. This meeting underscores the ongoing struggle to maintain basic services amidst a full-scale war.
Key Points from the Summit
A key topic was a €50 million agreement signed with the European Investment Bank on January 28. President Zelenskyy noted that Naftogaz is currently importing electricity in volumes exceeding 50% of the country's own consumption needs, which is having a positive impact on the overall stability of the energy system.
Plans to increase the capacity of the gas pipeline from Poland were also reviewed. Specifically, the gas transmission system operators of Poland and Ukraine have agreed to a phased increase in import capacities starting in early February 2026, with a plan to raise them from 15.3 million cubic meters to 18.4 million cubic meters per day by the end of April.
This summit highlights the critical importance of Ukraine's energy security in the face of ongoing military conflict and economic pressures.
The agreement with the European Investment Bank and the efforts to boost gas imports demonstrate the country's drive to ensure energy system stability and reduce reliance on domestic resources, which are under constant threat. Such steps are crucial for Ukraine's long-term energy resilience, particularly as it works to rebuild infrastructure damaged by attacks.