Ahead of the Energy Platform at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk, the European Commission, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, and the Energy Community Secretariat issued a joint statement calling for enhanced support for Ukraine’s energy sector in preparation for the upcoming winter period.
The parties called on current and prospective donors to contribute to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to ensure the timely procurement of critical equipment and the implementation of energy infrastructure recovery measures.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, G7+ countries have contributed €1.95 billion through the Fund. All available resources have been fully allocated in line with the priorities identified by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine. At the same time, the Fund has strengthened its operational capacity by establishing a strategic equipment reserve, streamlining procurement procedures, and reducing delivery times for critical resources.
First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal emphasized that the Ukraine Energy Support Fund remains the key mechanism for preparing the country’s energy sector for winter.
“Today, the key mechanism providing resources for Ukraine’s preparation for the upcoming winter is the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. It is an effective instrument for rapid response and the restoration of damaged energy infrastructure. In 2026 alone, partners have contributed more than EUR 300 million to the Fund. We sincerely thank all donors and partners for their continued contributions. At the same time, the total volume of currently unfunded needs exceeds EUR 650 million. All available resources of the Fund have already been fully contracted, and without additional contributions, the implementation of further projects will not be possible. We therefore count on the continued support of our international partners.” said the Minister of Energy.
The participants stressed that preparations for winter require coordinated and urgent action by international partners. The G7+ Energy Coordination Group for Ukraine continues its work to mobilise the resources necessary to ensure the country’s energy resilience throughout the heating season.
“Energy has become one of the primary battlegrounds in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Last winter was among the most difficult periods for Ukraine’s energy sector. Russia intensified its attacks on civilian energy infrastructure during the coldest months, deliberately seeking to leave millions without heat, light, and essential services. Sustained support for Ukraine’s energy system is vital. Not only to help the country endure today, but also to strengthen the foundations for a just and lasting peace. Ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, I call on all of Ukraine’s partners and allies to urgently help close the financing gap in the Ukraine Energy Support Fund,” stated Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, European Commission.
Director of the Energy Community Secretariat Artur Lorkowski highlighted the importance of timely support and the effectiveness of the Fund. “The moment to stand with Ukraine meaningfully is now, while winterisation efforts continue and there is still time to act proactively rather than reactively in response to states of emergency. With the establishment of a strategic reserve and an optimised procurement process — under which over EUR 120 million procurement opportunities are currently available — we are continuously enhancing Fund operations to ensure that contributions are translated quickly and effectively into energy assistance on the ground.” underscored Artur Lorkowski.
