Kyiv Power Plant in Ruins: Shmyhal Shows European Leaders Site of Russian Attacks That Left 500,000 Without Heat

Energy Minister Denis Shmyhal's Visit to Kyiv

According to Главком: Ukrainian Energy Minister Denis Shmyhal led a delegation of European leaders on a tour of a damaged Kyiv thermal power plant (CHP). The visit highlighted the consequences of Russian strikes on the facility, which have deprived half a million Kyiv residents of heating. Over the four years of full-scale war, Russia has launched 13 missile and drone attacks on this CHP, with nine occurring in just the last six months. This relentless targeting of civilian energy infrastructure is a hallmark of Russia's campaign to break Ukrainian resistance during winter.

An attack in January halted the plant's electricity generation. Then, in early February, a strike by five ballistic missiles stopped its heat production entirely. As a result, heating was cut to over 1,100 apartment buildings, 118 schools and kindergartens, and 18 hospitals. Cleanup and damage assessment are currently underway at the site.

International Support and the Critical Need for Recovery

Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine's energy sector this winter is being supported by over 40 countries and organizations. Approximately €600 million has been mobilized through the Energy Support Fund for 2025. Since the full-scale invasion began, Ukraine has received more than 2,000 humanitarian shipments for its energy sector. The minister underscored the vital importance of international assistance amid the ongoing aggression, stating that the site stands as both proof of Russian barbarity and a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and solidarity.

Among those present at the event were:

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen,
• European Council President António Costa,
• President of Finland Alexander Stubb,
• and the heads of government of Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Croatia, and Sweden.

Shmyhal stressed the crucial role of international partners in rebuilding Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

The visit of European leaders to Kyiv during the restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure demonstrates growing international solidarity in supporting a nation under aggression.

Source: Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal

In light of the recent attacks on energy facilities, such support is critically important for ensuring stable heat and electricity supply in Ukraine, especially during the winter months. The broad spectrum of international aid, including financial resources and humanitarian shipments, highlights the necessity of collective efforts to restore and strengthen Ukraine's energy sector.