How Naftogaz’s 24 Winter Energy Plans Aim to Secure Ukraine’s Power Amid Ongoing Attacks

Naftogaz’s Strategy for the Upcoming Heating Season

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Naftogaz has developed 24 detailed scenarios to navigate the heating season, taking into account potential Russian military strikes, weather fluctuations, and Ukraine’s domestic gas production. Each scenario includes a clear action plan designed to minimize risks during escalating tensions. The primary factors shaping these plans are the scale of Russian attacks, changing weather conditions, and the volume of gas Ukraine can produce internally.

As explained by Serhiy Fedorenko,

“We have modeled 24 different winter scenarios”

and

“for each, we have defined specific solutions and an operational roadmap.”

The Role of International Support

Maintaining a stable energy supply in Ukraine hinges on assistance from global partners. Key priorities include:

• repairing damaged infrastructure;
• enhancing protection of energy facilities;
• securing critical equipment and technology;
• obtaining financial resources to sign contracts for additional gas supplies.

In this regard, Norway has provided grant funding to Naftogaz aimed at purchasing extra natural gas. International aid is vital as Ukraine faces unprecedented challenges in keeping its energy network operational.

Before the 2026 heating season, Naftogaz stockpiled 16 billion cubic meters of natural gas in underground storage - the highest level since 2020. This achievement comes despite a doubling in Russian strikes against Naftogaz’s infrastructure. Throughout September and October 2026, Russian forces intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities. On September 30, 2026, Russia launched heavy strikes targeting energy infrastructure, including damage to the Trypillia Thermal Power Station near Kyiv. That same day, Kyiv and its surrounding region implemented emergency electricity shutdown schedules for the first time that autumn.

On October 11, 2026, multiple districts in Kyiv experienced power outages due to ongoing energy attacks. Then, on October 14, Russian forces struck all three of Kyiv’s combined heat and power plants as well as energy sites in the Kharkiv region. By October 18, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that since the start of the declared energy ceasefire, Russian forces had launched 76 attacks on Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed these intensified strikes on critical infrastructure during autumn and winter were retaliatory measures following Ukrainian attacks on Russian targets.

The energy sector in Ukraine remains in a precarious state amid relentless Russian assaults. Naftogaz’s comprehensive preparations underscore the importance of strategic planning and flexibility in response to evolving security challenges. While the 16 billion cubic meters of gas stored underground help mitigate some risks, ongoing attacks threaten the country’s energy stability and highlight the urgent need for continued international cooperation and support. Furthermore, the escalation of strikes on energy infrastructure poses serious risks to civilian populations and the broader Ukrainian economy.

As Ukraine braces for the upcoming winter, understanding the potential threats to its energy infrastructure is crucial. Recent intelligence has revealed a detailed plan outlining possible Russian attacks targeting energy facilities during the winter of 2023-2024. This underscores the importance of enhanced defense measures to safeguard vital resources. For a comprehensive overview of these emerging threats and the steps Ukraine is taking to fortify its energy sector, see more in our article on the recently uncovered Russian strategies.