(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Ukraine is filling its gas storage facilities ahead of schedule and with almost no imports this year. The pace marks a sharp change from the same period in 2024.
Andrian Prokip, head of energy programmes at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future think tank, gave the update during a discussion on winter readiness. He said the gas storage situation is very different from last year despite enemy attacks on energy infrastructure.
Prokip said Ukraine imported 1.7 billion cubic metres of gas over four months last year. Over the same period this year there has been almost no imports. The country is also ahead of its gas injection plan.
On electricity, Prokip said Ukraine has used up its previous flexibility reserves. But the energy system is better prepared for war risks each year. This is due to new distributed generation and better protection of facilities.
Prokip said Russian forces have struck heating supply facilities since the start of the full invasion. Consumers did not feel the effects because of mild winters. He said getting through winter will depend on temperatures and the availability of air defence systems.
The expert said there will be problems in winter but Ukraine can solve them. Power cuts are certain and there are high risks of local heating problems. But he expects the country to get through this winter no worse than the last one.
Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky held a meeting of the energy headquarters. The meeting covered the current state of preparations for the heating season and measures to protect critical infrastructure.