Rebuild Ukraine Forum 2026 / Panel Xb / 23 October 2026

The panel examined Ukraine’s energy resilience ahead of winter, focusing on continued Russian attacks, the protection of critical infrastructure and the need for stronger international support. Andrian Prokip highlighted improvements in electricity generation and natural gas self-sufficiency, while warning that heating remains particularly vulnerable due to limited air defence capabilities and the risk of further attacks. Osamu Hattori stressed that energy assistance must extend beyond restoring electricity to ensuring continued access to essential services, including heating, water and healthcare.

Oleg Neplyakh emphasised the growing role of decentralised generation, private-sector investment and backup power systems, while noting that new capacity is still catching up with wartime damage. Charles Hendry called for stronger European preparedness, highlighting gas interconnections, infrastructure protection and decentralised renewables as essential components of energy security. Moderator Radu Dudău underlined the need for Europe to recognise the practical realities of energy security in wartime. In the closing discussion, speakers stressed the urgent need for air defence, spare equipment, faster repairs and greater European investment, warning that postponing commitments until the end of the war risks undermining Ukraine’s resilience in the short and long term.