Ukraine Says Fuel Supplies Can Last Over 20 Days Despite Severe Power Crisis

Post by : Saif Nasser

Ukraine has enough fuel reserves to last for more than 20 days, but the country is facing one of its toughest energy crises since the war began. This warning came from Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, who told parliament that the overall situation remains extremely difficult after repeated Russian missile and drone attacks on power facilities across the country.

According to the minister, many parts of Ukraine are struggling with power cuts and heating failures at a time when winter temperatures are well below zero. The most serious problems are being reported in the capital Kyiv, as well as in the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Odesa. Areas close to the front lines are also badly affected, with thousands of homes left without electricity and heat for several days.

Shmyhal said that Ukraine’s energy system has suffered damage on an unprecedented scale. He stated clearly that there is no power plant left in the country that has not been attacked. This level of destruction has made it very hard for authorities to keep electricity and heating supplies stable, especially during the harsh winter season.

The minister also admitted that preparations for winter have failed in some cities and regions. He said that during his first days in office, it became clear that many projects and repairs were delayed or not completed on time. These delays have made the current crisis even worse and left energy workers struggling to respond quickly.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has already announced plans to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector. This move is aimed at speeding up decision-making and fixing problems caused by the constant attacks on energy infrastructure. The government hopes this step will help restore power supplies faster and reduce suffering among civilians.

To manage the shortages, Ukraine has ordered emergency imports of electricity from abroad. Shmyhal also said that the country needs to add between 2.2 and 2.7 gigawatts of new electricity generation capacity by the end of 2026. This is necessary to meet basic demand and reduce the risk of future blackouts.

The situation highlights how energy has become a key target in the war. By striking power plants and heating systems, Russia has increased pressure on Ukraine’s population during winter. Despite this, Ukrainian officials say they are working around the clock to keep essential services running and to protect civilians as much as possible.

While fuel reserves provide some short-term relief, the long-term challenge remains rebuilding and protecting the energy system. As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s ability to secure power and heat will remain a critical issue, both for the country’s stability and for the daily lives of millions of people.