Ukraine is currently facing a deficit of $750 million out of the necessary two billion to cover the costs of natural gas imports. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a briefing, emphasizing the urgency of the issue ahead of the winter period.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Support from the EU and Funding Prospects
Zelensky reported that after a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukraine will receive additional support from Europe in the form of €127 million. Overall, the country currently lacks about $750 million of the required two billion for gas imports; however, thanks to EU assistance, the situation is partially stabilizing.
“In principle, today we understand that we are short about $750 million out of the two billion we discussed regarding gas; just now, President Ursula said that about €127 million will be provided to us in support,” the president said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the European Union is providing Ukraine with emergency energy support and is also working on long-term financial mechanisms to address energy challenges. She also announced that on November 4, the European Commission will approve a report on EU enlargement, which will highlight Ukraine’s efforts on its European path and its readiness for further steps.
Russian Attacks and Consequences for Energy
In recent months, the Russian Federation has significantly increased the number of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, including the gas system, which is critical for ensuring heating in winter. According to the head of the board of Naftogaz of Ukraine, Serhiy Koretsky, on October 28, the country experienced its seventh massive attack by Russia on gas infrastructure since the beginning of October. As a result of the shelling in the Poltava region, production facilities were damaged, leading to a significant reduction in output and, consequently, the need to increase gas imports.
According to Koretsky, the previous six attacks in October caused extensive destruction and losses in production, which intensified Ukraine’s dependence on imported blue fuel.
According to Bloomberg, Russian strikes have destroyed more than half of Ukraine’s domestic natural gas production. This means that Kyiv will have to spend about €1.9 billion ($2.2 billion) on gas imports to ensure a stable heating season.
Sources from the publication note that after the massive shelling of the Kharkiv and Poltava regions on October 3, Ukraine lost approximately 60% of its gas production volumes, leaving the energy market situation challenging.