Amid relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, DTEK has stood as a beacon of resilience and determination. In an interview with Polish national newspaper Rzeczpospolita, CEO Maxim Timchenko outlines the company’s efforts to help safeguard the nation’s energy system and the opportunities for Polish and Ukrainian companies to build a new energy system together.
For the full interview with DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko, visit in Rzeczpospolita website
In the interview, Timchenko outlines DTEK’s strategic vision not only to fortify Ukraine’s energy sector during wartime but also to expand its footprint into neighbouring EU countries, reinforcing cross-border energy security and cooperation.
Despite russia's systematic attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, DTEK has remained the country's largest investor in the energy sector, committing €1.2 billion to both reconstruction and new development projects.
"For three years, we have been in an energy war, and russians started attacking our company even before the full-scale invasion. On February 22, 2022, they shelled one of our power plants, and they have been consistently attacking us since then. At one point, they destroyed about 90 percent of our power generation capacity, but we didn't give up and restored those power plants to operation. That was our absolute priority," said Timchenko.
- European expansion and cross-border cooperation
"After March 16, 2022, when our power grid was connected and synchronised [with the EU grid], it is extremely important for us that we work as one system. I believe that building more storage facilities in Poland not only helps maintain a stable and resilient energy system, but also connects it with Ukraine; we can increase the energy flow between our countries," Timchenko noted.
He also expressed deep gratitude for Poland's support: "We have enormous appreciation for everything Poland has done for Ukraine over the past three years, also for supporting the connection of our power grid. You support us in the transmission system, in equipment supplies in all possible ways. It's hard to imagine how our energy sector would have survived without all the support from Poland."
- Reconstruction already underway
Timchenko emphasised the opportunity for Polish companies: "I believe Polish companies should be among the first to participate in Ukraine's reconstruction. And this is an important message we want to convey here: your companies, whether from the energy, engineering, or construction sectors, should be present in Ukraine and participate in the rebuilding."
- Ukraine's role in European energy security
"I think Ukraine together with Poland will play one of the main roles in Europe's energy security. We have enormous potential to build more renewable energy sources; as a transit country, we have LNG terminals and Baltic pipelines. Regarding renewables, your companies can invest in building more renewable facilities, wind and solar parks in Ukraine, and then export energy to the EU," he stated.
- Resilience under fire
"When you see that one Iskander ballistic missile can destroy a plant that has been operating for decades and was built by the hands of our own employees, it's hard to express your feelings. What helped us was the commitment and courage of our people who, even in a terrible situation when a power plant was destroyed by three or four missiles that weren't shot down by anti-missile systems, came the next day asking how they could help rebuild."
"We have power plants that we've rebuilt three or four times. People spend four months reconnecting power units to the grid, and then there's shelling again. We live in a cycle: destruction, reconstruction, destruction. It's not easy, either mentally or physically. But if someone asks if I would do it again? Of course I would, because what's the choice? Lack of electricity would impact everything."
DTEK has lost 361 employees during the war, most of them fightin on the frontline.
- Message to Europe
Maxim Timchenko concluded with a clear message to the European Union: "I think it's worth the EU treating this war as a wake-up call for its own independence and energy security, its own defence. Start taking this seriously and view Ukraine as part of this system. Everyone in the EU will agree that today we have the strongest army, we play a huge role in Europe's defence, and we also have enormous energy potential."
For the full interview with DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko, visit in Rzeczpospolita website.
