Kyiv will likely need to spend 1.9 billion euros ($2.2 billion) to import 4.4 billion cubic meters of gas to survive the winter. This is nearly 20% of the country’s annual consumption.
According to people with knowledge of the matter, Russia's massive missile and drone barrage of Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Poltava oblasts on Oct. 3 took out approximately 60% of the country’s gas production.
Kyiv has urgently requested equipment and additional air defense systems from G7 partners to help repair its energy infrastructure and secure funding for the necessary gas imports.
This year, Ukraine has purchased 4.58 billion cubic meters of gas from foreign suppliers, including 3.67 billion since the end of last heating season. Officials warn that import needs could rise further if Russian attacks persist.
Emergency repairs to the power grid are estimated to cost €758 million, prompting the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, and the European Commission to consider providing additional assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector.
Last winter, Ukraine relied on generators and local support during outages, but officials are increasingly concerned that recent attacks may prevent a full recovery before winter.