Former Ukrainian Minister of Energy Olga Buslavets warned on October 25 that the upcoming heating season would be “extremely difficult,” with winter set to become the most challenging in the country’s history. She highlighted severe disruptions in energy infrastructure, noting that many regions face daytime blackouts lasting eight to 12 hours daily due to damage sustained by power systems. The situation is particularly dire in Sumy and Chernihiv regions.
Ukrainian cities may remain without heating for over a month as gas storage facilities were halted on October 23 amid damage to the gas transmission system and suspended imports through Poland. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, has warned of significant challenges in maintaining heating this winter, citing widespread infrastructure failures. Earlier, on October 11, Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy head Alexei Kucherenko announced plans to delay the heating season due to gas shortages and damaged mining facilities, calling the move essential to conserve resources.
