EU Commissioner Marta Kos visits DTEK thermal power plant as attacks against Ukraine’s energy system intensify

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has visited a DTEK thermal power plant (TPP) damaged in recent russian attacks – inspecting work to restore a facility that over one million Ukrainians rely on for electricity.

The power station, which cannot be named for security reasons, is one of multiple civilian energy installations across Ukraine that have been heavily damaged in an unprecedented series of strikes by russia since September.

Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, said: “I am proud that the European Union is doing its part in keeping Ukraine’s energy system running. We are helping to restore power plants and replace critical components, such as transformers. We know how vital this is for so many people in Ukraine who depend on them for light and warmth in winter”.

Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, commented: “Ukraine faces critical weeks ahead as russia intensifies its bombardment on civilian energy infrastructure. We are working non-stop to repair terrible losses across our power plants, grids, coal mines and gas infrastructure. To power Ukraine this winter, we depend on the solidarity and support of international partners for equipment, funding and air defences. I am deeply grateful to Commissioner Kos for her visit and the commitment the European Union is showing towards Ukraine’s energy sector.

Commissioner Kos’s visit aims to illustrate the impact of russian military strategy on energy infrastructure and to raise awareness among European partners about the urgent need for financial and technical support.

DTEK and its partners urgently call on international partners to:

• Provide funding and spare equipment to urgently restore energy infrastructure;
• Enhance the supply of air defence systems and ammunition to prevent further destruction.

Since full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been extensively targeted, with DTEK reporting over 210 strikes on its thermal power plants. In 2024, DTEK lost approximately 90% of its thermal generation capacity, before most was again rebuilt.

In the first 10 months of the year, DTEK has invested €285 million (UAH14 billion) on the restoration of its power stations (TPPs) and coal mines, including €161 million invested directly in TPP repairs.