Kyiv is relying on American gas for winter energy needs

• Kyiv is implementing American gas to cover its needs for this winter.
• Naftogaz is conducting negotiations with the USA for financing the import of gas.
• Russian attacks have led to a critical deficit in the gas infrastructure.

KYIV, Ukraine — The country, once a land of black gold, has turned to red as a result of the massive onslaught of Russian drones and missiles. Among the drones, Shahed, which are scattered across reserves for storing indigenous propane gas, many reserves have remained intact and operational.

“It’s painful to see all this devastation, considering how I have seen this industry develop,” said Viktor, who has worked there for 28 years but cannot disclose his name due to security reasons.

The associated press obtained exclusive access to the gas fields of Naftogaz in central Ukraine. This year, Russia is trying to deliver a blow to the Ukrainian gas industry to force the country to import expensive gas.

Two Russian strikes on gas production facilities in Ukraine in December and January have highlighted the need to import an additional 4.4 billion cubic meters this winter. To close this deficit, Naftogaz is conducting negotiations with US government creditors for financing the purchase of American-origin natural gas.

The energy crisis in Ukraine has become an important aspect of negotiations regarding a peace agreement. Gas is critically important for heating homes in the winter months, as well as for industry and electricity generation.

Naftogaz currently imports 25-30 million cubic meters of gas daily to avoid price volatility. Following the attack on the infrastructure, which has been ongoing since the beginning of the full-scale war, some repairs may take months or even years.

Naftogaz's leader, Sergey Koretsky, notes that raising gas prices may become necessary, but this is conditional on social circumstances. President Volodymyr Zelensky and the government have addressed the issue of raising prices for this winter.

Naftogaz has obtained 70% of the funds needed for importing 4.4 billion cubic meters, mostly through European loans. However, to secure the remaining funds, it is essential to find financing.

Naftogaz continues to work to ensure gas supply for consumers in Ukraine, regardless of the challenges posed by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

Tags: Ukraine/USA/Russia/Energy