The situation surrounding the Chervonograd Enrichment Plant in Ukraine remains unresolved, raising concerns about the coal sector’s stability and preparations for the upcoming heating season. Lawmaker Mykhailo Bondar has expressed alarm over the fragmented state oversight that has resulted in operational risks for the facility.
Following inquiries to the Ministry of Energy and a recent subcommittee meeting, Bondar reported receiving responses from various government bodies that illustrate a lack of cohesive responsibility regarding the plant’s management. “The state holds a 37.5% stake, but it does not control the enterprise or influence decisions during the restructuring process. Management is in the hands of an administrator appointed by the court,” he stated.
According to Bondar, the appointed administrator has indicated that the plant was already inactive upon their appointment, with significant shortages of products and raw materials uncovered during an inventory check. A criminal investigation has also been initiated.
Furthermore, the Office of the Prosecutor General has forwarded concerns to regional prosecutors, while the National Security and Defense Council has engaged the Ministry of Defense for further review. The Ministry of Justice has confirmed its involvement in the bankruptcy case, citing various violations and inconsistencies in management.
Bondar emphasized that while each government agency claims to act within its jurisdiction, there is currently no unified solution, leading to a diffusion of accountability among different institutions. He noted that the plant’s instability is exacerbating issues such as payroll debt and production disruptions, which directly affect the operations of mines in the Lviv-Volyn basin.
In light of these challenges, Bondar has urged the Ministry of Energy to take more decisive action. “The Ministry of Energy, which oversees energy assets and possesses the necessary expertise, must become significantly more proactive,” he asserted.
He underscored the urgency of restoring stable operations at the plant, especially in the context of preparing for the next heating season. “Ultimately, the Ministry of Energy is responsible for ensuring the country is ready for another challenging heating season under martial law. Without the proper functioning of the crucial Chervonograd plant, these risks will significantly increase,” Bondar concluded.
Background information indicates that the Chervonograd plant in Lviv Oblast has effectively ceased operations. It is not accepting coal, has lost power, and is facing salary arrears. Meanwhile, raw materials are accumulating at the mines without processing.
Union representatives have warned that this situation has already led to severe negative consequences, including a decline in production at state-owned mines and halted manufacturing processes. Earlier, industry unions had also alerted the Ministry of Energy to the critical need for the plant’s stable operation as part of the preparations for the upcoming heating season.
Bondar has warned that continued lack of control over the Chervonograd plant could deepen the crisis within the coal industry and complicate the transition into the next heating season.
The Chervonograd Enrichment Plant's operational issues pose significant risks to Ukraine's coal industry and heating preparations. Lawmaker Mykhailo Bondar has called for more decisive action from the Ministry of Energy to stabilize the facility and address growing concerns about accountability among government agencies.