As Ukraine gears up for the next heating season, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal outlined the country’s plans during a Crisis Committee meeting with representatives from the energy sector. The committee has approved a projected balance for the supply and distribution of natural gas for the 2026-2027 period.
According to Shmyhal, Ukraine aims to store 14.6 billion cubic meters of gas in underground storage facilities by the start of the heating season. He emphasized that the ongoing war and Russian attacks on energy infrastructure create a challenging environment, and adjustments to the gas supply forecast may be necessary depending on security conditions.
“Our benchmark remains the experience from previous heating seasons: a minimum of 13.2 billion cubic meters of gas in storage at the beginning of the season is essential. This will allow us to navigate winter reliably, even under low temperatures and extensive attacks,” Shmyhal stated.
The minister outlined key tasks to ensure stability during the upcoming autumn-winter period:
- Timely contracting of imported natural gas supplies
- Pumping resources into underground storage during periods of low market prices
- Diversifying supply routes
Shmyhal noted that Naftogaz of Ukraine and the Gas Transmission System Operator are actively working to secure capacities for gas imports and to continue the operation of the “Vertical Gas Corridor”. The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming repair campaign.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the country has faced ongoing attacks on its energy infrastructure. Following the intensification of assaults on Ukrainian energy facilities in the autumn of 2025, the gap between generation capacity and consumption needs has led to prolonged power outages. Many regions experienced scheduled electricity cuts, though as spring approached and solar energy generation increased, these restrictions were eased.
On March 24, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian forces continue their operations aimed at undermining Ukraine’s energy system. The Security Service of Ukraine has classified these strikes on energy infrastructure as crimes against humanity, with at least 256 documented aerial attacks on energy facilities and heating systems since the beginning of the 2025 heating season.
In early February 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Russia had not initiated attacks on civilian infrastructure, asserting that Ukraine was the first to target its energy facilities.
Ukraine is preparing for the upcoming heating season with plans to store 14.6 billion cubic meters of gas, while facing ongoing challenges from Russian military actions against its energy infrastructure. The government emphasizes the need for strategic planning to ensure energy stability during winter months.