First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, speaking at the Bucha Forum dedicated to the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Kyiv region from Russian occupation, underscored the need to hold all those responsible for war crimes—particularly acts of energy terror—to account.
“Large-scale and deliberate strikes against our energy sector are part of Russia’s genocide against the Ukrainian people. The Kremlin operates on a cynical logic: to cut entire cities off from electricity, heating, and water supply, pushing millions of people to the brink of survival,” Denys Shmyhal stated.
He stressed that energy terror must be recognized at the international level as both a war crime and a crime against humanity, emphasizing the importance of the international community’s political will to establish the necessary legal and institutional framework for such a tribunal.
Denys Shmyhal also noted that, despite unprecedented pressure, Ukraine’s energy system has withstood the challenges thanks to the efforts of the Defense Forces and the dedication of energy workers.
“Thanks to the Defense Forces of Ukraine and the heroism of Ukrainian energy workers, we have endured four winters of full-scale war. I thank them for their resilience, perseverance, and professionalism. I also extend my gratitude to our international friends and partners. Together, we are capable of extraordinary achievements in extraordinary circumstances,” he added.
