Chortkiv Becomes Ukraine's First City to Announce a Full Fossil Gas Phaseout

Chortkiv’s Declaration to Abandon Fossil Gas

According to Главком: The city of Chortkiv, located in the Ternopil region, has made history as the first municipality in Ukraine to officially commit to eliminating fossil gas from its public services. Mayor Volodymyr Shmatko signed the declaration, which was proposed by the Greenpeace Ukraine office. This move marks a significant shift in local energy policy, especially amid ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy supplies.

The declaration outlines a strategy to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, boost energy efficiency, and expand electrification within the municipal sector. Specific plans detailed in the document include:

• Thermal modernization of buildings;
• Adoption of modern electric heating systems, such as heat pumps;
• Development of solar and wind power generation.

A key part of implementing this initiative involves cooperation with other communities and international partners to secure financing for the energy transition.

The document also sets clear deadlines for phasing out gas use in municipal facilities, underscoring Chortkiv’s serious commitment to energy independence. Moving away from fossil gas is not only an environmental measure but also a matter of energy security, particularly given Russia’s long-standing use of energy resources as a tool for political pressure. The full-scale war has only intensified the need for energy self-sufficiency.

Impact on Ukraine’s Energy Landscape

Shifting to clean energy will help reduce energy risks, stabilize heating and electricity costs, and strengthen the community’s infrastructure resilience during crises. Chortkiv’s experience could serve as a model for other Ukrainian cities seeking similar energy transformations.

As of early 2026, Ukrainian businesses had paid over 1.5 billion hryvnias in environmental taxes, an increase of 6.8% from the previous year. However, a large portion of these funds is spent on projects with no direct environmental benefit rather than on conservation efforts. In this context, Chortkiv’s initiative could represent a meaningful step toward ecological justice and sustainable development in Ukraine.

Chortkiv’s initiative has the potential to significantly reshape Ukraine’s energy landscape, especially given the growing urgency for energy independence. Abandoning fossil gas not only cuts emissions but also reduces dependence on external energy sources, a critical concern amid political instability. If other Ukrainian cities follow this lead, it could substantially accelerate the nationwide shift to renewable energy.