Shmyhal Says Ukraine Needs €5.4 Billion to Prepare Energy Grid for Winter

Ukraine requires at least €5.4 billion to prepare its energy system for the upcoming winter, according to First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal, Ukrinform reported.

Speaking at the Ukraine Energy Coordination Group (UECG) conference in Kyiv on Sunday, April 26, Shmyhal detailed a plan to restore 6.5 GW of power capacity. This includes repairing 4.5 GW of existing infrastructure and adding 2 GW through distributed cogeneration and renewable energy sources.

During the summit, international partners – including the EU, UK, Italy, and Nordic-Baltic states – pledged approximately €100 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. However, a funding gap of €829 million remains for critical projects already approved.

Shmyhal emphasized that the “number one priority” is active defense, specifically calling for more Patriot systems and PAC-3 missiles to protect energy sites from Russian ballistic threats. He also noted that Ukrainian experts have identified usable equipment from eight decommissioned thermal power plants across Europe, which is now ready for physical transport to damaged Ukrainian facilities.

Addressing the fuel market, Shmyhal signaled interest in resuming diesel supplies through the pipeline from Hungary, involving Ukrtransnafta and the Hungarian company MOL. “The pipe between Hungary and Ukraine should be used, especially given current market challenges,” he stated.

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Putin Signs Law Allowing Seizure of Property From Russians Abroad for ‘Offenses Against State Interests’

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin approved legislation that will enable Russian courts to seize properties, bank accounts, and other assets of Russian citizens abroad if accused of a broad range of “administrative offenses” against Kremlin’s interests. The law, effective from Sept. 1, formalizes and expands existing practices of political repression, raising the stakes for exiled critics.

This mobilization of energy aid coincides with the recent approval of a €90-billion EU loan for Ukraine. The unblocking of these funds followed the reopening of the Druzhba pipeline on April 22, after repairs were completed on a section damaged by Russian strikes.

As Ukraine marks the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster today, the focus on securing the national grid remains a central pillar of Kyiv’s survival strategy against persistent Russian aerial bombardment.