Everything Energy Ukraine’s energy security and the coming winter
Oct 30, 2025
In this conversation, Talya Vatman, the IEA's Caspian and Black Sea Programme Manager, discusses Ukraine's precarious energy security as winter approaches. She shares insights from her visit to Kyiv, emphasizing the risks of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Talya highlights the human impact of power outages and the necessity of decentralized renewable sources for resilience. She also covers the challenges of maintaining energy supplies and the vital role of international support in safeguarding Ukraine's energy future.
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Mid-October City Preparations
- Night fell in mid-October as Kyiv prepared for the heating season with rising anxiety about attacks.
- Talya Vatman described recent drone strikes that damaged CHP plants and disrupted water supply for a day.
Drone Threats Have Escalated
- Russia has improved drone tactics and reduced Ukraine's interception rates in recent months.
- Talya warned this makes protecting infrastructure and readiness much harder ahead of winter.
Blackouts Multiply Hardships
- Talya recounted how blackouts force people into shelters and disrupt cooking, refrigeration and sleep.
- She noted water pump damage compounds hardship, especially for residents on upper floors.