Ukraine needs an energy ceasefire, says top power executive
The head of Ukraine's biggest private power producer said that the country is on the verge of a "humanitarian disaster" due to Russian airstrikes against energy systems. Any future peace agreement must include an end to attacks on energy infrastructure.
Maxim Timchenko said that Russia, which invaded Ukraine in full force almost four years ago, has been conducting an "energy terror campaign" since October 2025. This includes attacking power stations and overpowering air defence systems.
Authorities say that the capital Kyiv, as well as its surrounding areas, are among those most affected. Kyiv’s mayor has urged residents to temporarily leave if they can find somewhere else.
"We need a ceasefire on energy assets." Timchenko called for a ceasefire to protect energy assets. "How can you speak of peace and (keep) attacking people when they are freezing?" How can you have both going on at the same time?
He said that Ukraine had endured temperatures of minus 15 to minus 20 degrees Celsius for two weeks, as a result of Russia's strikes on gas storage, transportation and production facilities.
Russia claims to be targeting the military and energy infrastructure that is used by Ukraine's armed force.
Timchenko stated that "we are close to a human catastrophe." "People have power for about 3-4 hours and then 10 to 15 hours of break." Apartment blocks have been without heat for several weeks.
He said that Ukraine is holding on to its gas supplies, including those from the United States. Attacks have forced gas, hydropower and coal plants to operate below their capacity.
DTEK, according to him, has suffered damages worth hundreds of millions dollars and lost 60-70% or its generation capacity.
Timchenko stated that rebuilding the energy industry would cost between $65-70 billion, citing World Bank figures, and would in many cases require completely new assets.
He said, "We're talking more about building a brand new energy system for Ukraine than just rebuilding."
BlackRock, a U.S. asset management company, has emerged as the driving force behind a U.S. and Ukrainian plan to?design a rebuilding plan for the nation.
Timchenko said that Ukraine should accelerate the construction of decentralised energy, including solar projects, green park and storage. He said that decentralisation would make it more difficult for drones and missiles to strike assets.
We cannot rely on the signing of a peace agreement. "We need to begin preparing today", he said. He added that Ukraine should stock up on critical equipment and improve its air defences. Mark Heinrich edited the report by Dmitry Zhdannikov.
(source: Reuters)
